Welcome to Sparta
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.
Notice of Public Hearing RE IFT Certificate Request
VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
STORAGE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.
FOR AN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Village Council of the Village of Sparta shall hold a public hearing to consider an application for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate filed by Storage Control Systems, Inc., located at 100 Applewood Dr NW. Sparta, MI 49345 pursuant to PA 198 of 1974, as amended.
The applicant is requesting a 50% tax abatement for a period of twelve (12) years for new building improvements (real property) valued at $2,516,386.00. Storage Control Systems, Inc. is located in the Industrial Development District located at 100 Applewood Dr. NW, Sparta, MI 49345.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the public hearing shall be held on June 12, 2023 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 Storage Control Systems Inc., 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 application for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate. A copy of the application is available in the Village Office for review between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the address below. The application has also been posted on at www.spartami.org. Written comments will be received by the Village Manager at 156 E. Division, Sparta, Michigan 49345 until Noon on June 12, 2023
Written comments on the proposed abatement can be emailed by clicking here. These comments will be provided to the Village Council prior to the meeting and included as part of the public record.
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
2023 SPARTA VILLAGE BRUSH COLLECTION
The Village of Sparta DPW will begin brush pickup starting on April 3, 2023. Brush will be picked up the FIRST MONDAY of each month. Do not places brush at the curb more than one week in advance of the next scheduled pick-up (brush can be dropped off behind the DPW garage between pick-ups in accordance with the policies below) BRUSH MUST BE CURBSIDE BY 7:00 AM MONDAY of the month the brush is scheduled to be picked up. If not out by that Monday and the chipper goes by, please make arrangements to bring your brush behind the DPW Garage.
Brush size will be limited to a maximum diameter of four inches (4”). Only branches, trees, and limbs smaller than four inches (4”) in diameter will be picked up by the Village crews. Any limbs or branches larger than four inches (4”) in diameter will be left curbside. Root balls or stumps will be left at the curb as they will not go through the chipper. Also, please do not mix other debris with the brush. The pick-up schedule is as follows:
First Monday of the Month
April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2
Please place brush between sidewalk and curb, NOT in the street. For smaller branches, cut ends need to be lined up facing the road. Larger branches can be lined up with all cut ends facing the same direction as the flow of traffic, and should not block sidewalks. Monthly brush pick up will end October 2, 2023. Just a reminder – the Village does NOT pick up leaves, garden waste or grass clippings during brush pickup. Village residents can drop leaves, garden waste, grass clippings and brush not larger than 4” in diameter behind the Village of Sparta DPW Building at 276 W. Division Street during regular work hours. Please place material next to the larger existing pile and not in the parking lot. NO commercial dumping. NO stumps. ID’s may be checked before you unload to confirm village residency. Also as a reminder, Christmas Trees can be dropped off behind the DPW building starting the Monday after Christmas.
If you have any questions, please call The Village Office at (616) 887-8251 or the DPW staff at (616) 887-9303.
