Higher fees planned for out-of-towners

With the many problems pumping 10,000 gallons of water can create, the Town of Sparta is eyeing a plan to raise rates for those wishing to utilize town water to fill up swimming pools.

Area fire departments haul the water for people in the county to fill their pools in return for a donation. Most often using Sparta's water are the Sparta/Alleghany Volunteer Fire Department, the Piney Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Glade Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

Town Manager Tom Douglas said that he is looking at a plan that would increase the fee from the current price of $50 to between $100 and $200 per fillup for those living outside the city limits.

While he hopes this does not affect the contributions to the fire departments, he said the town needs to consider the effects of opening the hydrants for non-emergencies first.

"Every time fire hydrants open, water stirs up sediment and other problems and causes aggravation."

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