Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

On Wednesday, August 13, the Sturgis City Commission will hold their regular meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall at 130 N. Nottowa St.

On the docket this week is the public hearing for the fiscal year 2025-26 operating budget, which includes decreased funding and revenue for the curbside recycling program. The changes are from $77,520 to $19,380 and from $79,000 to $19,500 respectively, reflecting the commission’s intention to end the program December 31, as reported by Watershed Voice. Other notable items in the budget include funding for the purchase of a new tanker/pumper fire truck and setting the city’s 2025-26 operating tax rate at 11.0800 mills, with an additional 2.9667 mills for street and sidewalk improvements.

Also up for discussion is a license extension request from EAC Industries, LLC, which is seeking six more months to complete and open its recreational marihuana retail store at 1640 S. Centerville Rd., the annual utility rate approval — the yearly decision on electric, water, and wastewater rates, which this year includes higher surcharges for state-mandated energy savings programs and a new $1.25 monthly fee to support the Low-Income Energy Assistance program — and a Doyle Community Center equipment purchase for new cardio equipment.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.