Sparta Budget Discussion Resurrects Old Argument

An old argument surfaced when the Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed the first reading of the coming year’s budget.

Alderman Jerry Lowery saw funding for automated electric metering had been included in the budget. He voted against automated metering both times the city discussed it over the winter.

“We’re going to lock this in to right at almost a million dollars every 10 years that will never go away if we do this and I just think that we don’t need this at this time and in this place,” Lowery said.

Alderman Dr. Chad Griffin said he had done the math. By the time the city’s savings on electric, employees and equipment were considered, that it would only cost the city about $5,000 a year.

“I do think it’s deceptive to talk about we’re raising government $740,000, I don’t think that’s true, I’m all for being careful with government and spending but there are significant advantages to this,” Griffin said.

Lowery said City Administrator Chris Dorsey had “overstepped” when he included it in the document.

Mayor Jeff Young said Dorsey included the item in the budget at his request. He said including all potential costs is the only way to present an accurate budget.

Young also said Sparta is in the best financial shape it’s ever been in, with more than $4 million in reserves.

Ultimately, the first reading of the budget was approved, with Lowery as the lone vote against.