Sturgis City Commission opts into energy assistance program, approves equipment purchases

The Sturgis City Commission met Wednesday evening and approved several key items, including opting into the state’s energy assistance program, purchasing a mower, and procuring a lift station pump for Michigan Avenue.

The commission voted to participate in the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, which helps low-income households pay for gas and electricity. The city had the option to either join the state’s program or create its own, but in either case, the funding for assistance would come from the city.

“Anyone in our area or jurisdiction who moves into the district and needs help with their energy bills —whether it’s for LP gas, wood, coal, or natural gas — can access these funds, which must be set aside specifically for that purpose,” said Chris McArthur, the city’s superintendent of the electric department.

Commissioners also held the first reading of proposed zoning ordinance amendments and approved an interconnection agreement allowing the state’s first battery storage facility to be located in Sturgis. In addition, the city approved its renewable energy plan through 2045, complying with the state’s Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act, which requires municipal electric utilities to submit their own plans.

In other business, the commission approved the purchase of equipment for the Michigan Avenue Pump Station at a cost of $166,730 and a wide-area coverage power mower for $67,494. They also approved a contract for the Kirsch Municipal Airport layout plan, valued at $311,285.66.

Additionally, the commission approved the following board appointments: Ammy Hackman to the Cemetery Board, Aaron Miller to the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and three appointments to the Sturgis Young Center for the Arts.

Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter for Watershed Voice.