In January 2026, the Sparta Fire Department transitioned from a fire board to a fire authority, becoming its own recognized governmental entity. The Authority was established to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted transition of services should the village become a city.
According to the Authority, funding for the fire department is not changing, continuing to come from both Sparta Township and the Village of Sparta, but the ballot language will look a little different, with millage funds coming directly to the Authority rather than the Township.
Voters are being asked to approve a six-year millage on the August 4th ballot. The millage will cost $0.50 per $1,000 of the taxable value of a home. The owner of property with a taxable value of $200,000 would pay $100 per year beginning in 2027.
If approved, the millage would raise just over $224,500 in 2027 and be used to purchase new fire equipment and for fire station improvements. Under state law, a portion of the millage revenue must also be disbursed to the village’s Downtown Development Authority.
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