Sparta Board Maintains Tax Rate And Approves Budget
The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the first reading of the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and maintained the property tax rate at $0.59. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said the tax rate remains the same from the previous fiscal year. Tindle said the budget ordinance establishes the spending levels for city departments through June […]
Sparta Wants To Upgrade Security In Parks, Safe Residents
Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city is exploring new ways to make city parks even safer for its citizens and visitors. Lowery said the city is taking proactive measures to deter crime, including new emergency response stations. From security cams to street lamps, Lowery said visibility is key. “Just to have well-lit visible parks, […]
Sparta Police Continue To Struggle With Hiring Officers, Working On Strategy
Sparta Police Chief Nick Dunn said the city continues to struggle to bring in new officers. Dunn said he is having to hire uncertified officers, which puts the new recruits a year out before they can be on the streets. Dunn said pay is another big issue keeping them from hiring, because the city cannot […]
Sparta Police Ask City Council For More Officers And Higher Pay
Sparta Police asked the City Council Thursday night to help with increased pay and the hiring of more officers. Sparta Police Chief Nick Dunn and Assistant Chief Brent Copeland addressed the Council. This after Dunn and another officer responded to a disturbance Saturday night where shots were fired. Dunn said that made him realize the […]
Nick Dunn Sworn In As New Sparta Police Chief
Nick Dunn was officially sworn in as Sparta’s new Police Chief at Thursday night’s aldermen meeting. Dunn had previously served as Assistant Chief and replaces Chief Doug Goff upon his retirement. Dunn said he has served with the force since 2013. “I feel pretty good about it,” Dunn said. “I’m excited to implement some new […]
