Town budget shows one-cent tax rise

Sparta town residents are facing a one cent increase in taxes as well as an increase in garbage services during the next budget year, according to a proposed budget given to the council June 6 by Town Manager Bryan Edwards. Edwards recommended a budget of $1,975,389, which is an increase of $276,744 over last year's budget.

Edwards explained based on a one-cent increase, the taxes for a home valued at $100,000 increase by about $10 if the proposal is approved.

Edwards read from his budget message, "The recommended budget includes a tax rate of one cent per $100 valuation. The rate increase is necessary to insure that the town will continue to meet all of its financial obligations and to maintain a sufficient fund balance to adequately meet cash flow requirements and emergency situations."

The proposed increase is the result of several items that were not in last year's budget, according to Edwards. These include: a $150,000 water line extension on Napco Road, a $27,000 storm water drainage study, $21,000 in sidewalk and signage improvements, $20,000 in water and sewer materials, chemical and pipe, $13,600 in lab fees, $8,000 in employee health insurance and an $11,000 cost of living adjustment for employees.

In his report to the council, Edwards noted the Napco water line extension is being funded by Charleston Forge and an Appalachian Regional Commission grant, while 90 percent of the storm water drainage study will be funded by a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and sidewalk improvements are slated to be funded through a Powell Bill allocation.

Meanwhile, Edwards recommended the water and sewer rates be increased by 5 percent, as well as increasing monthly costs for residential garbage collection pickup from $5 to $6.

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