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Sturgis City Commission

Watershed Voice holiday resource guide

Last week Kalamazoo, Sturgis, and Three Rivers had city commission meetings. In all three meetings, independent of each other, homelessness and ways the city can address it was discussed. As the holidays approach and cold weather continues, Watershed Voice compiled a list of all the resources available for those who need it most in St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties.  This guide lists shelter, warming, food and crisis resources available during the holiday period. Availability and capacity can change quickly, especially during extreme weather.

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Latest in Sturgis City Commission
Sturgis City Commission finalizes recycling contract, approves fire truck purchase amid heated public comment on homelessness

A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue. “I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Big deal. That’s their deal. Be homeless all you want, but stop vandalizing my stuff.”

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission to finalize recycling contract, consider marijuana ordinance changes, and fire truck purchase

Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.

Sturgis approves utility upgrades, vehicle fleet changes, and holiday tree pickup fundraiser

To start off new business, commissioners unanimously approved a fundraiser in partnership with Gest Pro Tree Services and United Way. For a minimum $25 donation to United Way, Gest Pro Tree Services will pick up Christmas trees from a participating resident’s curbside, chip the tree, and compost the chippings. Donations must be made in advance, and the deadline to sign up is January 4.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

The Sturgis City Commission will meet tonight in City Hall at 6 p.m. Electric Department Superintendent Chris McArthur will present the commission with the Sturgis Electric Center final design and the proposed purchase of a Hydro Line Three-Phase Transformer. A Christmas Tree pickup fundraiser and the sorting out of leases and sales of the city vehicle fleets will also be discussed.

Sturgis Commission backs three-year recycling contract with Borden, approves curbside recycling ordinance second reading

The ordinance converts curbside recycling from an add-on service to a full city utility, billed as a mandatory fee on utility bills for eligible residential properties. The commission’s approval of the second reading triggers a 20-day waiting period before the ordinance can go into effect. The measure is designed as an alternative to letting the city’s existing recycling contract with Borden expire at year’s end. Previously, the commission had moved toward ending curbside service at the end of the current contract because of rising costs and a roughly $150,000 funding shortfall, even at the maximum allowed fee under state law.

Final opportunity for Sturgis residents to provide recycling feedback before ordinance moves forward

Wednesday’s meeting will feature the second reading of the ordinance. If approved, the city would enter a 20-day waiting period before the measure becomes law. The commission will also need to decide the length of its next contract with Borden — likely between one year, which allows flexibility if prices change or the commission later discontinues recycling, and three years, which would reduce per-household costs through volume pricing.

Meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

City Manager Andrew Kuk will present options for recycling in 2026 and beyond when the Sturgis City Commission meets Wednesday. While alternatives have been informally discussed, this marks the first formal action taken by the commission since the July decision to discontinue its curbside recycling program. 

Sturgis commission allows shutoffs during ‘heating season,’ shifts delinquent aid to state program

The commission updated its general shut off rules, bringing them into compliance with new state law and allowing utilities to disconnect service for nonpayment during the "heating season." Mayor Frank Perez expressed concern about what the policy shift means in practice. “Now we’re going to be shutting people off?”

Sturgis officials move to cut curbside recycling amid rising costs

While no formal vote was taken, all but one commissioner expressed support for ending the service in fiscal year 2026. 

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