Sturgis City Commission seeking resident feedback on recycling decision

The Sturgis City Commission will hold the first reading of a proposed recycling ordinance Wednesday night that would make curbside recycling a mandatory city utility service. The move comes as commissioners seek public feedback on whether to keep recycling as a citywide program or let the current contract expire at year’s end.

As Watershed Voice reported earlier this month, commissioners voted 6–2 on October 8 to advance the ordinance rather than send the question to voters. If adopted, the measure would bill recycling as a utility fee — estimated between $6 and $8 per month — and require participation for all eligible properties.

What’s changed?

City Manager Andrew Kuk will present a revised draft Wednesday that adds several updates since last meeting:

Exempts downtown buildings with residential units only above ground floor.
Clarifies that fees would be billed to property owners, not tenants, and subject to lien for non-payment.
Refines enforcement language for flexibility with minor violations.
Adjusts expiration and renewal dates to align with the city’s budget cycle.

Commissioners approach to feedback

Commissioners plan to use the first and second readings to gather public input. During the September meeting, Commissioner Aaron Miller said he expects the city will hear from residents throughout the first year of the program.

“If there are five or more torches or pitchforks outside the city commission from January 1 to December 31 next year, I will seriously reconsider my support of the recycling program,” Miller said last meeting.

The commission ultimately decided against a referendum, citing City Attorney T.J. Reed’s advice that an ordinance offers more flexibility if costs change.

Other items on the agenda

The meeting will also include two public hearings on Main Street sidewalk assessment districts connected to this year’s reconstruction project and a proposal to raise election worker pay to $14 an hour ($15.50 for chairpersons) to stay above the state’s rising minimum wage.