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Volunteer committee asks Sparta for $5,000 to light and decorate Main Street lamp posts
Summary
A volunteer Christmas committee asked the Sparta Town Council for $5,000 to decorate 19 lamp posts and nine planters on Main Street with artificial greenery and live wreath donations for businesses; staff said funds exist in a line item to cover the request.
Members of a volunteer "Christmas committee" presented a plan to the Sparta Town Council to decorate downtown lamp posts and planters and asked the town for $5,000 to pay for artificial garlands and two wreaths per post.
The presenter said the plan covers 19 lamp posts and about nine ground planters, with volunteers installing decorations and businesses receiving donated live wreaths. The group proposed artificial garlands and pre-lit wreaths for the posts to reduce annual replacement needs and estimated the town's contribution at about $5,000, or roughly $250 per post. The presenter said donations and volunteer labor would handle installation and storage was requested from the town after the season.
Staff told the council a line item exists in the budget and that there were sufficient funds to cover $5,000. Council members clarified that a previously approved $15,000 for Christmas lights had not been spent and discussed how to allocate existing funds.
Why it matters: The plan is a volunteer effort that aims to improve downtown appearance and support businesses with a modest town outlay and volunteer labor; council members asked staff to verify logistics, storage and whether previously approved funds could be used.
Next steps: Staff will follow up on storage logistics, confirm the budget line item and bring any recommended allocation or contract for decorations to a future council meeting.
