Sparta advances budget measures, confirms personnel changes and hears public-safety updates

The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen took first readings on the city’s budget measures, approved several personnel items and heard updates from department heads about siren repairs and parks work.

On first reading the board introduced ordinance 26-1000, a general revenue ordinance for fiscal year 2026–27 that sets the city tax rate at .5922, unchanged from the prior year. The body also took first reading on ordinance 26-1001, fixing annual appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, and approved ordinance 26-1002 (first reading) to amend the fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget adopted earlier by ordinance 25-989.

Personnel actions approved included the promotion of Eric Golden to water plant operator after he passed the Grade 4 water plant operator certification. The board also approved the application for reserve firefighter Melvin Troyer and administered the oath of office; Troyer was sworn in during the meeting. The board approved two volunteer community service officer positions to be filled by candidates identified in the discussion as Jeff Roberts and John Linville; the positions were described as non–gun-carrying support roles for events, animal-control assistance and code help, with minimal cost limited to uniform allowances.

During department head reports the fire chief said, "We're working with Mike O'Neal to repair those sirens," explaining that testing had narrowed the fault but additional junction and power checks were needed. Public-works staff reported progress on playground and splash-pad work along Polk Street and said weather and other unforeseen circumstances have delayed a firm opening date. A resident identified as Ben offered brief public comment thanking staff for assistance earlier that day.

The board also approved Resolution 26-624 to authorize financial-aid appropriations for nonprofit charitable organizations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and Resolution 26625 establishing a city allowance policy. Several routine items were approved without recorded dissent, including solicitation of bids for rock and concrete for the next fiscal year and acceptance of the finance director's April financials. The mayor adjourned the meeting after a voice vote.