The Sturgis City Commission will meet Wednesday evening at city hall (130 N. Ottawa St.) for a regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Items on the agenda for the evening will include an approval of an electric rate plan for utility rates, as well as an adoption of the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget.

In new business:

• In accordance with the city’s code of ordinances, the city commission is required to approve utility rates for the ensuing fiscal year on or before September 1. The commission received a presentation from Utility Financial Solutions during budget work sessions and the recommended rate track for the electric utilities for an overall increase in rates of 4.9% for five years. The commission will make a decision to approve or deny the electric rate plan as presented.
• The commission will vote to adopt the 2023-2024 annual City of Sturgis budget summary and appropriation resolution, as well as approve the City of Sturgis fee schedule. 
• An approval of the purchase agreement with the Sturgis Neighborhood Program for 903 Neuman St. in the amount of $7,433.54.
• An approval to grant the Sturgis Downtown Development Authority permission to use Free Church Park for Paws in the Park on August 11. The event is a community dog show with kid’s activities and will run from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• An approval for a bid waiver for contracts with Civica North America for utility billing, finance, purchasing, and payroll software with initial costs in the amount of $117,855.00, and a five-year maintenance agreement. 
• An appointment of Rod Chupp to the Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors effective through May of 2026. 
• An approval of participation in the Walgreen’s settlement agreement over their role in the opioid epidemic. An email provided to the commission from the Attorney General’s office estimates that based on the agreement with Walgreens, the city would receive approximately $25,108.49 over 15 years from the settlement. To participate, the city would need to opt into the settlements no later than September 6, 2023.

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.