STURGIS – The Sturgis City Council approved the 2025 budget at its meeting on Monday, Dec. 9.

Acting Mayor Kevin Forrester said the 2025 budget, developed with a focus on financial prudence, sustainability, and the continued delivery of essential services, reflects the city’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of our community.

The city’s General Fund of the total $25.7 million budget totals $10,081,644 as do the revenues for the 2025 budget. That is approximately $1.25 million dollars less than 2024. 

Forrester said that due to unresolved revenue reconciliations from 2024, this budget was created without applying cash reserves. 

Currently, the city’s third-party CPA contractor is finalizing the reconciliation process, which will provide greater clarity on the city’s cash position for each fund. 

“In the meantime, the budget reflects a balanced approach, achieved through careful collaboration with all departments,” he said.

Forrester said every department worked to identify adjustments that maintained critical services while aligning with financial realities. He added that unfortunately, this process required difficult decisions, including staff reductions and reassignments in the Legal, Rally & Events, and Engineering departments. These changes result in a net reduction of five full-time equivalent (FTE) positions compared to the 2024 budget.

“These decisions were not made lightly,” Forrester said. “We deeply appreciate the dedication and contributions of the staff members whose positions are no longer part of the city’s structure. Their work has made a lasting impact on our community, and we are grateful for their service.”