Tag Archives: Sparta Aldermen

Sparta Aldermen voted Thursday night to raise water and utility rates for the first time in five years. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the state rejected the city’s water budget last year. She said for several years now, Sparta utilities have been barely breaking even or losing money every month. She said instead of the current $18.54 for the first ... Read More »

The city of Sparta considering potential properties for a park, greenway trail, and kayak dock. Mayor Jerry Lowery said while it is far too early to know what exactly a new space would look like, he is excited about the new possibility. Lowery said he is specifically interested examining one property that he believes might be a good fit. “There’s ... Read More »

Sparta’s new auxiliary police officer program off to an even better start than expected. The program aims to supplement the city’s officer shortage. Sparta Police Chief Nick Dunn said in the first month, one officer has already been hired and many inquiries from several other officers. “With a reserve officer, if they’re not post certified, they have to ride with ... Read More »

Sparta Aldermen voted Thursday night to implement a four percent hotel/motel tax to generate revenue for tourism development. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said while the city does not have a hotel, the city will be paid a fee when visitors rent Airbnbs and other local rental properties. He said Sparta and White County are behind on this revenue source, as ... Read More »

The idea of a modular nuclear reactor to provide electricity to the City of Sparta captured the imagination of Aldermen Thursday night. Alderman Brian Jones said there are not any reactors of this kind being used in the country yet. “It’s amazing,” Jones said. “They’re saying when they’re in production it’ll take about twelve months to eighteen months to actually ... Read More »

Sparta Aldermen voted to approve a $20,325 change order to continue work on their sewage pipes, bringing the total cost of the project to just under $90,000. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said during the early stages of the project they believed the pipes to be eight inches in diameter. He said the pipes needed are actually 10 and 12 ... Read More »

The Sparta Aldermen voted Thursday night to approve the purchase and usage of GPS trackers on city vehicles. The Aldermen unanimously approved the $17,154 purchase. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the city has already got to see a prototype of how the system will work. “Department heads will monitor their own department,” Tindle said. “It’s fleet management as much as ... Read More »

The Sparta Board of Aldermen approved the emergency purchase of new machinery for the sewer department Thursday night. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the machinery is called a Muffin Monster, a specialized grinder placed before sewage pump stations to break down debris. Quick said the equipment at the South Carter Street pump station broke down two weeks ago and ... Read More »

This week, Crossville City Council will hear an update on a possible indoor recreation center. The architects for the project will be providing the council with updated plan drawings and price estimates. This will allow the council to work toward a decision about the facility and which features it will have to offer. The work session is at 5:00pm on ... Read More »

Sparta Police Chief Nick Dunn told Aldermen during a Thursday night work session the lack of officers and new certified applicants are hurting the department. Dunn said the city’s low pay compared to nearby areas continues to impact the city. He said he also lacks the ability to give new applicants higher starting wages based on prior experience. Dunn said ... Read More »