Sparta Council adopts amended 2026 budget after heated public hearing; vote 4–1

The Sparta Township Council on June 23 adopted an amended 2026 municipal budget that increases the town—s total appropriations from $31,864,101 to $32,706,822 and raises the municipal tax rate from 0.618 to 0.708.

Town Manager Zapp, who led the budget presentation, said the amended budget —has increased from 31 million 864,101 to 32,706,822. This represents an increase of 842,721 or 2.64% over last year.— He told the council and the public that nearly 70% of the increase is driven by multi-year health-care cost growth for about 190 current employees and retirees, and he listed other pressures including a $250,000 emergency appropriation repayment, a $275,000 veteran tax lookback, and continued general-tax subsidization of the sewer utility ($203,000).

Zapp and town finance staff said they balanced the budget by cutting the 2026 capital improvement program to zero (a $1.8 million reduction), restricting overtime to essential needs, maintaining a hiring freeze through the year and holding many operating expenses flat or reduced. The manager said the amendment —totals $32,706,822— and that for the average assessed home ($372,660) the change represents roughly an additional $336.18 per year.

Public commenters used the budget hearing to press for more transparency and to challenge the council on staffing and reserve policy. Ron Day and other residents said documents and line items were not easy to review in workshops and asked where legal-fee borrowing and reserves would leave the town. One frequent line of questioning probed whether water-utility reserves and PFAS-related reserves had been used to balance the general fund; the town—s finance team replied it had reduced the prior water-utility draw to avoid creating a $1.6 million hole for 2027.

Council debate centered on whether the amendments represent a responsible step to rebuild surplus or a short-term —spreadsheet— fix that fails to address long-term revenue strategy. Councilman Clark argued the package —is a start— but urged a multi-year revenue and business plan; Deputy Mayor Sylvester repeatedly pressed the need for more details and questioned whether spending cuts and revenue actions were adequate. Despite that disagreement, the council adopted the amendment and then the amended budget in two roll-call votes. The roll-call on both measures recorded four votes in favor and one opposed (Deputy Mayor Sylvester voted no).

What happens next: the budget as adopted will be implemented for 2026. Council members and staff said they expect continued fiscal pressure in areas such as healthcare and litigation and discussed options for midyear financial checks and tighter multi-year planning.

Votes and procedural notes: The council adopted resolution 26-120 to amend the municipal budget and then adopted the amended 2026 municipal budget. Roll-call on both measures: Councilman Scott —yes—; Councilwoman Murphy —yes—; Councilman Clark —yes—; Deputy Mayor Sylvester —no—; Mayor Blumetti —yes—. The meeting record indicates the public hearing on the amendment was opened at the start of the meeting and closed before the roll-call votes.