The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the emergency rebuilding of the gearbox on the dam Thursday night.
Sparta Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the gearbox raises the dam’s gates up and down. The parts worn down after 50-plus years of use. Quick said the dam is so old that there are no existing parts, meaning new gears will need to be fabricated and installed.
“I asked them to fabricate two sets of gears,” Quick said. “One for us to put back in and one for us to put on the shelf because if this goes out again, we don’t have the gears to replace the seals and the barring and everything.”
Quick said the exact price is unknown, but the contractors estimate costs between $30,000 and $35,000. Lowery said he agrees with buying the extra set of gears.
“We don’t have a five year plan, we have a 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 year plan,” Lowery said. “That way, if these last 50 years, they’re going to have that set. We feel it’s just best right now while we’re spending the money to just do it now while they’re making both of them. It’s as easy to make two as it is to make one of them right now.”
Lowery said repairs will help keep the River Road above water.
“Without being able to move [the gates], when it becomes a lot of rain, that road’s going to flood and stay flooded for a long time.” Lowery said. “Instead of draining naturally, we can help it along.”
Lowery said he hopes the new gears last 40 years.
In other business, the Board approved the purchase of two new trucks for the solid waste department. The board authorized taking bids for employee insurance.
The Rotary Club Christmas Parade approved for December 13th.
