(STURGIS) – There will be a vacant seat on the Sturgis City Commission until November.

Wednesday night, Sturgis City Manager Andrew Kuk shared with the Commission that Alan Albarran had given his resignation as a Second Precinct City Commissioner. Kuk says his resignation was effective April 17 as Albarran moved out of the City limits.

Albarran was appointed to the City Commission in October 2023 to finish the unexpired term of Brandon Kinsey, who stepped down due to increasing work duties as a Pastor at Radiant Life Church.

Kuk says under the City Charter, if Commissioner resigns within the last six months of their term, no replacement will be sought.

Kuk says with the Commission right at the six month mark they could either try to find someone to finish Albarran’s term, and then have that person or others run for the Commission seat in November, or leave it vacant until the November election in the hope of having more people on the ballot.

By a 7-1 vote, the Commissioners decided to leave the seat open until the November election.

It was announced on Tuesday that Albarran had filed to run for the Fifth District Seat on the St. Joseph County Commission. Also seeking to be the Fifth District Commissioner is Craig Crabill and Christina Yunker.

Current Fifth District Commissioner Dennis Allen is running for St. Joseph County Sheriff.