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Sturgis sets 2026 operating millage at 11.3939 mills; street millage set at 2.926
Summary
At a required public hearing, the Sturgis City Commission adopted a general operating millage of 11.3939 mills and a streets/sidewalk millage of 2.926 mills; staff said the increase to the statutory maximum would raise about $100,000 and cost the average homeowner roughly $15.
City staff opened the annual public hearing on the city’s 2026 millage rates and recommended setting the operating millage at the statutory rollback rate of 11.3939 mills and continuing the streets/sidewalk levy at 2.926 mills.
Ken Rhodess, city staff, told commissioners the operating rollback to 11.3939 mills would raise approximately $100,000 and increase the tax bill for the average homeowner by about $15. He said the proposed rate would appear on tax bills in July and explained that the city’s proposed budget still shows a deficit without the additional levy revenue.
During the hearing, resident Tom Picker voiced concern that the recent hospital closure and anticipated added emergency transport and fire staffing costs could put additional pressure on the budget. "I'm concerned about the extra cost of upstaffing the fire department and buying equipment," Picker said during public comment.
After brief discussion, the commission moved and approved the operating millage at 11.3939 mills and the street/sidewalk millage at 2.926 mills; commissioners recorded opposition during roll calls but motions carried.
What it means: The adopted rates restore the city to its maximum permitted operating rate under state rollback calculations and preserve the sidewalk/street levy the city has used for capital projects. The city will place the rates on July tax bills; staff said they will continue budget work to manage the remaining deficit.
Provenance: Public hearing presentation and vote appear in the meeting transcript beginning with staff presentation (SEG 944 onward) and concluding with the motions and votes (SEG 1024–1036).
