Sturgis City Commission directs staff to draft ordinance making recycling a resident-paid utility

After roughly 90 minutes of discussion Wednesday and a presentation of options from City Manager Andrew Kuk, the Sturgis City Commission directed city staff to draft an ordinance that would fund curbside recycling entirely through residents’ utility bills, treating recycling like other city services and requiring residential participation.

The plan isn’t final as commissioners said they intend to adjust language based on public feedback before adoption. “We can structure it with a sunset [end date] so the commission must renew it each year,” said Commissioner Aaron Miller, calling it a way to “give the commission more of a flexible approach” if costs rise or if public feedback provides a clear direction.

Dollars and options on the table

Kuk outlined costs for bridging service into 2026 and beyond. Borden Waste Management indicated a one-year “gap” contract would run at least $7/month per household, possibly up to $8, or roughly $23,000–$26,000 per month. Kuk reported that would create a total obligation of about $214,100 across the fiscal period discussed, with roughly $145,000 of that falling in the current fiscal year depending on timing and rates, even after accounting for the existing $2/month charge on tax bills. “It’d be a one-time hurt for us, but building a bridge to get there,” Miller said.

A drop-off site alternative was estimated around $6,000 per month or $70,000 per year for dumpsters and service, not including site prep and staffing. Grants might help only if the city runs its own facility, staff said, but available programs this year appear limited. Commissioners also discussed ideas such as single-hauler systems or registries for private trash haulers to reduce road wear and coordinate service days.

Several commissioners argued a ballot measure should settle the question — either next August or via an earlier special election — which would cost the city about $10,000. However, City Attorney T.J. Reed warned a referendum could complicate future adjustments.

“I’m not a fan of referendum votes when you’re creating a mandated service and then ongoing contractual relationships,” Reed said.

One compromise discussed would enact a one-year ordinance with an automatic sunset and solicit broad resident comment before any renewal. “We’ll hear the feedback fast,” said Miller, adding that a short term “pilot” would limit risk. “We’re not going out on as much of a plank.”

While the current Borden contract is set to end this December, the commission moved to keep the possibility of services and await feedback from residents.

Other business

All other agenda items passed; the only non-unanimous vote was budget amendments, opposed by Vice Mayor Richard Bir.

Commissioners approved routine items earlier on the agenda, including police vehicle leases to replace two 2020 Durangos, street rehabilitation awards (around $673,000, plus proposed additions), storm sewer cleaning on North Centerville Road tied to the Superfund cleanup (around $234,300, reimbursable by Newell Brands), and appointment changes for MPPA alternates — moves previously outlined in the meeting packet.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.