“I am asking for the annexation so that we can do the higher development in there and incorporate it into the village. I think it’s a benefit.”
Martin Peterson is executor of his parents’ estate, who wanted their Sparta Township farmland annexed to the Village of Sparta, a move expanding the village allowing for light industrial and housing development.
Sparta Township Clerk Marcy Savage was not opposed to the development but felt a land transfer contract between the township and village should be in place, allowing for shared tax revenues.
“The township runs on just one mill. We pay the majority of the fire department, the library, the sports park, assessing services, elections, four cemeteries, all with our one mill. The village, on the other hand, collects 12 mills to operate.”
Most agreed annexing the acreage for development was the right move. District 5 Commissioner Dave Hildebrand:
“For me, this is about the landowners. It’s not about the township, it’s not about the village, it’s not about governments. We need to stand for the property owners, the taxpayers, the residents. What do they want? They want to annex the property.”
The village is actively pursuing cityhood, waiting for the state to put it on a ballot for a vote. Cityhood would give Sparta more governmental control and autonomy.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
