Welcome to Sparta

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Welcome to the Village of Sparta, Michigan

Sparta Is TraditionThe warm and friendly Village of Sparta is located just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sparta is a great place to raise a family and grow a business.

Sparta Is Tradition. On this website, you'll find information about our parks, history, finances, and departments of the Village, as well as important links to the community, resources and document downloads.

Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, we want to help you, and we are glad you're here.



Pay Your Water/Sewer Bill Online

The Village of Sparta has recently switched over to BS&A Online to process water/sewer bills and property tax payments. Click here to pay your bill online.

Residents are encouraged to create a BS&A Online account, although it is not required to make a payment. Setting up an account will allow you to see the payment history, receipts, water usage, and more. We will NOT be able to accept credit card payments for permits or other fees at this time. You will need to pay with a check or cash through our office at 156 E Division Street or via US mail to pay fees. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Payments will be posted in real-time, so as soon as you enter your payment, it will automatically be deducted from your account. Please note there is a fee of 3% when you pay with a credit card with a minimum fee of $2.00.



2023 Water & Sewer Rate Information (Updated Shortly)

Water and Sewer Rate InfoEffective January 1, 2023, the Village of Sparta made 5% adjustments to the utility rates. The changes are reflected in February bills. (Those are the bills for January usage.) These changes were approved by Village Council on December 12, 2022, following two (2) years of no adjustments.

The Village has increased water and sewer commodity charges (on use), as well as the ready to serve capital charges for both water and sewer. This will result in an increase for both water and sewer customers. Please click the link below to see the informational sheet that was created to explain the changes and why they are happening.

A few years ago the Village completed a Stormwater, Asset Management, and Wastewater (SAW) Grant, which identified what improvements are needed for the sanitary sewer collection system, wastewater treatment plant, and the storm sewer system. This included a complete rate study for which the rates are based on. The findings of the rate study were presented on August 13, 2021 at 6:00 PM at the Utility Rate Workshop.

If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming projects, please check out the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. The plan can be found under the Services tab “Finance and Transparency” on the Village website at www.spartami.org.

The link below were updated on 2/5/23, with the 2022 link below left for reference.



History of Sparta

Myers SchoolhouseThe first settlers who arrived in the area of Sparta, Michigan in 1844 discovered rich land and abundant streams.

The first railroad reached Sparta in 1872, linking the community with Grand Rapids and ensuring the progress and prosperity of the area.

Most of Sparta’s settlers were farmers. Today, along with its agricultural and industrial base, Sparta has developed services from banking to retail and offers easy access to a major metropolitan area.

Sparta has two museums in operation today reflecting on the history of the establishment of Sparta with the Myers Schoolhouse Museum and the T.S. & M Railroad Depot.



Village News & Notes

Brush Pick-Up 2024

The Village of Sparta’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce the start of its brush pickup service on April 1, 2024. This service is essential for keeping our village clean and safe.
Brush Pickup Details:

  • Start Date: The service begins on April 1, 2024.
  • Monthly Schedule: Brush will be picked up on the first Monday of each month.
  • Set Out Time: Please place brush curbside by 7:00 AM on the designated Monday.
  • Size Limit: Brush size is limited to a maximum diameter of 4 inches. Larger materials will not be collected.
  • Location: Brush should be placed between the sidewalk and curb, not on the street. Align smaller branches with cut ends facing the road. Larger branches should have cut ends facing in the direction of traffic flow.
Monthly Pickup Dates:

  • April 1
  • May 6
  • June 3
  • July 8
  • August 5
  • September 2
  • October 7
Additional Instructions:

  • Do not block sidewalks with brush.
  • Do not mix in leaves, garden waste, or grass clippings.
  • Brush exceeding 4 inches in diameter should be taken to the DPW garage.
End of Service: The last pickup for the year will be on October 7, 2024.
Drop-off Information: Residents can drop off acceptable brush, leaves, garden waste, and grass clippings at the Village of Sparta DPW Building at 276 W. Division Street during regular working hours. Please ensure you do not obstruct the parking lot.
Prohibited Items: No commercial dumping, stumps, or root balls are allowed.
Contact Information: For any questions or additional information, please contact:
  • The Village Office at (616) 887-8251
  • DPW staff at (616) 887-9303



NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING April 8, 2024

VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
JNJ INVESTMENT, LLC.
FOR COMMERICAL REHABILITAITON EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Village Council of the Village of Sparta shall hold a public hearing to consider an application for a Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate filed by JNJ Investments LLC from property located at 209 E. Division Street, 220 E. Divisions Street, as well as 228 E. Division Street pursuant to public act 210 of 2005.

There are two separate applications.

Application 1 is requesting a tax abatement for a period of ten (10) years for building rehabilitation (real property) valued at $260,000. If approved the certificate would freeze the taxable value of the building and exempt the new investment from local taxes. School operating tax and the State Education Tax (SET) are still levied on the new investment. The property owner will pay a commercial rehabilitation tax rather than the normal property tax. This parcel is addressed 209 E. Division Street and is located in the previously established downtown Sparta Commercial Rehabilitation District.

Application 2 is requesting a tax abatement for a period of ten (10) years for building rehabilitation (real property) valued at $2,100,000. If approved the certificate would freeze the taxable value of the building and exempt the new investment from local taxes. School operating tax and the State Education Tax (SET) are still levied on the new investment. The property owner will pay a commercial rehabilitation tax rather than the normal property tax. These parcels are addressed 220 & 228 E. Division Street and are located in the previously established downtown Sparta Commercial Rehabilitation District.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the public hearing shall be held on April 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., local time, in the Sparta Civic Center located at 75 N. Union Street, at which time the Village Council shall afford JNJ Investments, LLC., the Village Assessor, a representative of each taxing unit which levies ad valorem property taxes in the Village and the residents and taxpayers of the Village an opportunity to be heard regarding the applications for an Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificates. A copy of the applications is available in the Village Office for review Monday-Thursday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the address below. Written comments will be received by the Village Manager at 156 E. Division, Sparta, Michigan 49345 until Noon on April 8, 2024.

Written comments on the proposed abatement can be sent to villagemanager@spartami.org. These comments will be provided to the Village Council prior to the meeting and included as part of the public record.



NOTICE OF PROJECT PLANNING PUBLIC MEETING

NOTICE OF PROJECT PLANNING PUBLIC MEETING

The Village of Sparta will hold a public meeting on the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvements project for the purpose of receiving comments from interested persons.

The Village is pursuing subsidized financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to make necessary improvements to the Village’s WWTP. The improvements will focus on addressing identified deficiencies to ensure continued reliability, meet future planning needs, and improve treatment capabilities to meet new effluent limit requirements.

The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 8, 2024, at the following location: Village of Sparta Civic Center, 75 N. Union St., Sparta, MI 49345.

Recommended improvements include the following:

  • Preliminary and primary treatment upgrades to replace equipment and improve processes.
  • Secondary treatment upgrades to expand biological and nutrient treatment capacity.
  • Disinfection improvements to replace chlorine feed systems with UV disinfection.
  • Removal of the Polishing Pond to promote environmental compliance.
  • Solids handling improvements to improve digestion and storage of WWTP residuals.
  • Process control improvements to optimize processes and minimize energy use.
  • Site improvements to upgrade electrical systems, improve safety, and repair infrastructure.

Expected impacts of the proposed project include improved treatment efficiency and increased reliability of the wastewater treatment plant and increased treatment capacity to allow for continued growth. Short-term construction related impacts include noise and dust during construction, as well as minor traffic disturbances.

The Village is actively pursuing grant funding and subsidized interest loans to finance the proposed project. Impacts on user costs will vary depending on financing terms, principal forgiveness/grant funding, other sources of funding, community rate structure, industrial users, and final project scope and costs.

Copies of the plan detailing the proposed project will be available for review by clicking here: https://fveng.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s2a18979643c34c79b6e336a1bdce9d56


Written comments received before the meeting record is closed on April 8, 2024, will receive responses in the final project planning document. Written comments should be sent to:

Village of Sparta
Attn: James Lower, Village Manager
156 E. Division
Sparta, Michigan 49345
Email by clicking here



Public Notice Special Land Use Application


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN

TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Sparta Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday April 1, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., located at 75 N. Union Street, Sparta Michigan, Sparta, Michigan. The Planning Commission will consider a Special Land Use request from “Leathia Ferrier” to operate an in home daycare on the parcel commonly addressed as 379 N. State St. (Permanent parcel #41-05-15-401-014).

Interested parties are invited to attend and be heard as to the Special Land Use request. Written comments will be received by the Village Manager at 156 E. Division, Sparta, Michigan 49345 until 3:00 p.m. on April 1, 2023.

Copies of the Special Land Use application are available for public inspection at the Village Office at 156 E. Division, Sparta, Michigan between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m Monday thru Thursday.


James A. Lower
Village Manager/Zoning Administrator



Spring Clean-Up is Just around the corner!

Village of Sparta and Sparta Township Announce 2024 Spring Clean-Up Event

The Village of Sparta and Sparta Township invite all community members to participate in the annual Spring Clean-Up event to enhance our community’s cleanliness and environmental well-being. This year, the clean-up will occur on April 25th and 26th, with an additional day on April 27th for extended community convenience.

Event Details:

  • Dates and Times:
    • April 25th and 26th: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • April 27th: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Dumpsters and roll-offs will be behind the Public Works building at: 276 W. Division Street, Sparta.
  • Accepted Items:
    • Rubbish/Trash: Community members are encouraged to bring household rubbish and trash for disposal.
    • Yard Waste: A dedicated container will be available for yard waste, including leaves, branches, and grass clippings.
    • Tires: Tires can be dropped off for proper disposal.
    • Metals: Metal items are welcome for recycling, with proceeds benefiting the Village account.
The Village of Sparta and Sparta Township are committed to a cleaner, healthier environment and encourages all residents to take this opportunity to dispose of unwanted items responsibly. Please join us in this community effort to keep Sparta clean!

For more information, please get in touch with William Hunter at 616-887-9303.

The Village of Sparta and Sparta Township are dedicated to community engagement and environmental stewardship. They continuously work towards creating a sustainable and inviting environment for all residents and visitors.