Sturgis Commission hears comments on public safety positions

2018-05-10

STURGIS – Only two people spoke during a public hearing Wednesday about a police officer and a fire marshal position for the City of Sturgis.

The City Commission held the hearing to get input from the community on if they should restaff for two positions; a police officer and a fire marshal. The positions had been a part of their respective departments, but were not restaffed years ago due to attrition.

The Commission has discussed an increase of 0.4338 mills to fund the two positions.

Jeff Brazo, a part owner of a Sturgis business, says he would support the millage increase if it were to go to a vote of the people. He also encouraged the Commission and City staff that if a millage increase is the way they choose to fund the positions, be ready to “sell it” to the public.

City Commissioner Ken Malone says the City should increase the millage to fund the positions, it would not be decided by a vote of the people.

Kathy Perry also addressed the Commission to ask questions about the positions and funding for them.

In a related item of business, the Commission unanimously approved a motion to set a public hearing for June 20 to consider the City operation millage rate at 10.4623 mills. That includes the 0.4338 mill increase to fund the police and fire marshal positions.