Sparta Updates Tap Fees To Keep Up With Material Costs

Sparta more than doubling its water and sewer tap fees in March due to rising installation costs.

Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city was losing too much money at the current rates.

“The reason we did that is, because the materials were going up,” Lowery said. “We were charging x number of dollars, and it was costing us more. We couldn’t continue to ask somebody to pay $1,000 and costs $1,500. We were going in the hole.”

Water tap fees within the city will go from $600 to $1,500. The county rate of $800 will increase to $1,700. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said installing a water tap costs the city more than $1,100 right now.

“We’ve been trying to do this for several years now, but it has gotten to the point now we are not even half of the cost,” Quick said. “That’s why we are trying to just raise it one time.”

As for sewer, city taps will increase from $1,000 to 10 percent over the total installation cost. Specialty meters will be priced the same way. Quick said the new rates were based off other neighboring municipalities.

Lowery said the new rates are not meant as a tax increase. Lowery said the city does not plan to make money but wants to at least break even. Sprinkler fees will also go up to help pay for ongoing water leaks.

The items were approved by the Board of Aldermen during a January meeting.