(STURGIS) – The City of Sturgis has found their interim City Manager.

Monday night, the Sturgis City Commission voted unanimously to appoint Assistant City Manager Andrew Kuk to be the Interim City Manager. He would take over for Mike Hughes, who announced in October that he would be resigning as City Manager effective January 20, 2023.

In the motion to appoint Kuk as the Interim City Manager, the City Commission agreed to have Mayor Jeff Mullins and City Attorney T.J. Reed work with Kuk on creating a contract that would begin January 21.

In related business, the Commission discussed whether they should hire a firm to help them find Hughes’ replacement. On November, 30, the City Commission heard from two firms who explained how they would help the City in that process. The Commission at that time voted to hold off on naming a firm.

Monday night, Mullins announced that Kuk has expressed his interest in being a candidate for the City Manager’s position full time. Mullins says that brings into question whether the City should hire a firm or not. ...... {LISTEN}.

Mullins says he’s not comfortable spending tax payer money if a search firm isn’t really needed.

Commissioner Frank Perez says the City needs to hire a firm. ...... {LISTEN}.

The Commission voted 5-4 to not hire a firm and to create a job description and post it on the City’s website, along with having it posted on other professional websites to see how many candidates apply for the position.