Tag Archives: Sparta

Sparta accepting bids to smoke test its sewer lines looking for locations where ground water enters the system. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the leaks are a main reason why the city is currently under a sewer moratorium. “They’re going to blow smoke in the pipes, and it is going to come out somewhere,” Lowery said. “We’re going to visibly see ... Read More »

The Tractor Supply Company location in Sparta will have its grand-opening on November 5th. That is according to Store Manager Olivia Jones. Jones said the store will offer a full garden center, a drive-thru for large items and other standard merchandise. ‘We still have some construction workers trying to finish some projects inside,” Jones said. “From Tractor Supply’s perspective, things ... Read More »

A Sparta citizen voiced concerns to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen Thursday night over the city’s imposed sewer moratorium Former Mayor Jeff Young allegedly signed the moratorium without the Board’s knowledge before he left office. Resident Ken Bullis said he has a piece of property that he cannot sell since he can not cannot to the sewer system. “He ... Read More »

The Sparta Board of Aldermen approved a manhole project as the city tries to lift its sewer moratorium. Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the $60,000 project would improve overflow issues along Highway 111 near Mose Drive. “Once the water table rises, there is a constant amount of water going into those man holes,” Quick said. “We’ve camera the whole ... Read More »

A special-called meeting scheduled as a result of a Thursday Sparta Board of Aldermen work session regarding sewer violations. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said TDEC placed the city on notice in 2019 regarding the overflow issues. Hennessee said the meeting will continue efforts to fulfill a consent order that requires corrective action. “The engineer that has been working on the ... Read More »

A lack of volunteer interest and current staffing numbers has the Sparta Fire Department in need of more positions. Fire Chief Kirk Young said the city is considering paying volunteers as part-time employees to help resolve the issue. “It’s a matter of going to the scene and having enough people at the scene,” Young said. “I see in the future ... Read More »

Sparta will likely use its state infrastructure COVID money for sewer improvements instead of water line replacements. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said the state has recommended that Sparta’s uses its allotment to fix overflow from heavy rain events. ‘We were hoping to be be able to include it in our paving program, and our in-house needs are more water distribution ... Read More »

The Sparta Board of Aldermen wants to improve its sanitation operation through a trailer repair project approved Thursday night. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said up to $25,000 was allocated to bring the city’s second trash compactor trailer up to standard. “To buy one of those new is at least $125,000,” Hennessee said. “The rest of the trailer is reasonably good, ... Read More »

Sparta Police Chief Doug Goff said a new police department is a need in the next three to five years. Goff told the Board of Aldermen about the cramped facility during a work session after Alderman Jim Floyd asked about the department’s long-term plan. Goff said the department has outgrown the current facility. “I would like to see at some ... Read More »

The Sparta Board of Aldermen will vote on a pay adjustment plan Thursday night that would impact 67 employees. The plan would increase pay by $2.32 for employees in pay grades two through seven. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city needs to take action after losing nine workers over the past year. “I think it is something that we probably ... Read More »