STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis Mayor Kevin Forrester delivered the 2025 State of the City Address during the Monday, June 2, Sturgis City Council meeting highlighting a year of transformation for the City of Sturgis.
With a focus on stabilization, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, Forrester emphasized that the city is laying a strong foundation for the future while addressing pressing financial realities.
“This past year has been one of progress, renewed focus, and deliberate action,” said Forrester said. “We’ve taken essential steps to strengthen our finances, streamline operations, and invest in long-term priorities for the benefit of all Sturgis residents.”
The mayor said strategic leadership changes – included the hiring of Aaron Jordan as City Administrator, Ann Bertolotto as Finance Director, and Eric Davis as the City’s legal contractor – have helped stabilize key departments.
In an effort to support employee retention and fairness, the city partnered with Condrey and Associates to launch a wage and salary study which is nearing completion. And, the city is launching a recodification project with American Legal Services to provide more clarity and consistency in the city’s ordinances.
Transparency measures were also expanded, with the City Council now required to approve — and publicly publish — all contracts, regardless of value.
Infrastructure saw major progress with the completion of the 7th Street FEMA project and floodplain modifications along Vanocker Creek, offering financial relief to homeowners. A new city well is nearing completion, and the north trunk sewer line expansion remains on track for completion in summer 2025.
At the Sturgis Municipal Airport, a $6 million improvement project — including a new terminal and parallel taxiway — is advancing with less than 3% of costs covered by local funds. Meanwhile, the relocation of the National Guard facility near Exit 30 will soon unlock new commercial development opportunities along a realigned Lazelle Street and I-90 corridor.
While celebrating these achievements, Forrester acknowledged sobering financial realities. From 2021–2023, city expenditures exceeded revenues by a combined $4 million. Though the 2024 budget closed with a $400,000 surplus, that result was only possible due to a spending freeze across all departments.
“The numbers make it clear: we cannot return to past patterns of overspending,” Forrester said. “We must continue to closely monitor revenues and expenditures throughout 2025.”
Looking ahead, the City will focus on several initiatives including the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the 2024 audit, hiring in key departments, labor negotiations, and updates to the Capital Improvement Plan. Other efforts include utility surcharge reviews, finalizing the Woodle Field land sale, and launching a comprehensive review of the city’s long-range Comprehensive Plan.
A new Ordinance Advisory Committee will also begin work, starting with revisions to Title 7, which governs city structure and operations.
“With continued commitment to transparency, efficiency, and planning, I believe the year ahead holds even greater opportunity for our community,” Forrester said. “Together, we are building a stronger Sturgis.”
You can listen to the Mayor’s State of the City Speech below:
