Welcome to Sparta
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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
Special Council Meeting Notice 9-25-23
PUBLIC NOTICE OF A SPECIAL
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING
VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
The Sparta Village Council will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. at the Sparta Village Hall located at 156 E. Division St., Sparta, MI 49345. The purpose of the special meeting is to consider an expenditure for an emergency repair to the sewer treatment plant.
This notice is posted in compliance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Act, Act 267 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1976, as amended. Questions or written comments may be directed to the Village Manager, James A. Lower at 156 E. Division, Sparta, Michigan, Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Job Opening – Village of Sparta
The Village of Sparta is accepting applications for a full-time Accounts Payable/Utility Billing Clerk position. Pay range is $19.00-25.00/hr. (DOQ) with MERS D.C. retirement plan (10% Employer, 5% Employee Contribution), personal, sick, and vacation paid time off, excellent low out of pocket cost BCBSM Health Insurance, Vision, Dental, and Life insurance benefits.
The work schedule is four 10-hour shifts Monday thru Thursday 7:30am to 5:30pm. Paid on-site breaks and lunch. All Friday’s Off!
No experience or college degree necessary. However, experience with customer service, BS&A Software, accounting, or billing experience considered a plus.
Position will be trained on the job. The most important requirements are a positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and ability to work well with our team.
The position works as part of our three-person finance team in Village Hall under the direct supervision of our finance director. Primary responsibilities include customer service (answering the phone, emails, and in-person inquires), utility billing, data entry, and accounts payable.
This is an excellent opportunity to begin or continue a career serving the public in local government administration.
For any questions, please contact Jim Lower, Sparta Village Manager by email. Deadline to apply is 3pm Thursday October 5, 2023.
Public Hearing Notice 10-9-23
VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
CASCADE DIE CASTING GROUP, 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 Cascade Die Casting Inc., located at 9983 Sparta Avenue, 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 $1,288,845. Cascade Die Casting, Inc. is located in the Industrial Development District located at 9983 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, MI 49345.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the public hearing shall be held on October 9, 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 Cascade Die Casting 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 Monday thru Thursday 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 October 5, 2023
Written comments on the proposed abatement can be sent to the village manager by email here. These comments will be provided to the Village Council prior to the meeting and included as part of the public record.
Download a File:
IFT Request Documents (PDF)
Sparta Master Plan Open for Public Comment
Sparta is requesting your feedback now though October 27, 2023, on the Village of Sparta Master Plan. An electronic version of the draft master plan can be accessed at the bottom of this article.
Feedback is welcome by emailing Danielle Bouchard with McKenna Associates or by mailing/dropping off written comments to the village office.
The village will hold a public hearing during the November 13th, 2023 Village Council meeting at the Sparta Civic Center, 7:00pm. Verbal/Written comments from the public will be accepted in person at this meeting.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Download a File:
Draft Master Plan (PDF)
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.
