Town proposes hikes to taxes, water rates

Sparta residents and those who utilize town water and sewer services will be facing across-the-board increases in both taxes and utilities under a budget proposal presented on June 7 by Town Manager Bryan Edwards.

Under the proposal, the town’s tax rate will go up five cents to 25 cents per $100 in value and the town’s water and sewer rates will increase 10 percent for those inside town limits and 15 percent for those outside the town’s limits. The town is proposing leaving garbage collection rates at $5 per month.

The town’s budget proposal totals $1,678,746, which represents a 2.7 percent ($47,446) decrease over the current year’s approved budget. Edwards said last year $50,000 was appropriated from the town’s fund balance to help balance the budget. “The rate increase is necessary to ensure that the town will continue to maintain a sufficient fund balance to adequately meet the cash flow requirements necessary to meet accounts payable and payroll requirements and to address emergency situations,” Edwards read during his budget message.

Major items included in the town budget are a $100,000 payment for the town hall to Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation; the addition of a sixth police officer to the force; and appropriations for the Sparta Volunteer Fire Department,

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