Welcome to Sparta
Get Your Utility Bills By Email
Now you can have your utility bills emailed to you. Sign up for paperless utility billing from the Village of Sparta.
Visit our Water, Sewer and Utilities page to learn more.
Welcome to the Village of Sparta, Michigan
The 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)
Effective 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.
Download a File:
2023 Utility Rate Structure (PDF)
2022 Utility Rate Structure (PDF)
History of Sparta
The 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.
Visit Online:
Learn More about the History of Sparta
Village News & Notes
Public Notice
PUBLIC NOTICE
VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
TAKE NOTICE that the Sparta Planning Commission will hold two successive public hearings on Monday May 6, 2024 starting at 7:00 PM (local time) at the Civic Center, located at 75 N. Union Street, Sparta Michigan, to receive public comments and questions pertaining to the following:
ORDINANCE NO. 24-01: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FOR THE VILLAGE OF SPARTA
The proposed map amendment contained in Ordinance No. 24-01 would rezone 1055 13 Mile Rd. Sparta, MI 49345 from Residential R-1 to General Commercial GC. The parcel identification number is:
41-05-14-476-002
The planning commission will also hold a public hearing on a special land use request for 1055 13 Mile Rd. Sparta, MI 49345. The special land use request is to use the parcel as a vehicle sales dealership.
Information may be obtained, including a draft copy of the proposed ordinances at the Village Hall, 156 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345 between the hours of 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Or, by emailing villagemanager@spartami.org. Any interested parties will be heard during the public hearing portion of the meeting. Written comments may be submitted in advance of the public hearing to the Village Manager by May 6, 2024 by 2:00 PM at the above address or via email at: villagemanager@spartami.org.
James A. Lower
Village Manager/Zoning Administrator
156 E. Division
Sparta, MI 49345
(616) 887-8251
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.
- April 1
- May 6
- June 3
- July 8
- August 5
- September 2
- October 7
- 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.
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
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.
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.
