Sparta’s budget process honored by the Comptroller’s office as a distinguished submission for fiscal year 2026
Mayor Jerry Lowery said he received a letter from the comptroller approving Sparta’s budget. Lowery said the letter commended their process, and thanked the city for its detail, time and effort put into preparing the budget. Lowery said the budget was a group affair.
“That’s just a testimony to you all’s leadership and the department heads’ leadership of making that work,” Lowery said. “On behalf of me, the Mayor, thank you for that hard work in doing that. That’s exciting to get something like that because a lot of people don’t get it.”
The letter said Sparta’s detail and accuracy helped the Comptroller’s office to efficiently review its budget in a timely manner, which supports financial health in local governments.
Lowery specifically recognized City Manager Tonya Tindle for her role in the budget. Lowery said Tindle did a great job of staying focused and leading the effort.
“Well, what we do is we sit in a room with all the Aldermen,” Lowery said. “And we go through and we spend every penny, correct? We look at every penny spent. And there’s nothing hidden in our budget and it works.”
Lowery said the process is lengthy, as he and the Aldermen usually spend five or six hours deciding how to allocate the funds each year.
Lowery said transparency in the budget is important. Lowery said people also appreciate the city’s efforts to save money when possible.
“Just to be frugal with the people’s taxpayer dollars is very important to me,” Lowery said. “Y’all know that. and it is to you all as well.”