Sturgis looks at new contract with neighborhood association

The city of Sturgis is considering a new contract with the Sturgis Neighborhood Association that will increase the city’s annual financial commitment to the housing non-profit by more than $35,000.
City Manager Mike Hughes endorsed the new proposal, saying the local private, non-profit group provides valuable services that improve the city’s overall housing stock and bring abandoned properties back on the tax rolls.
Monica Smith, executive director of Sturgis Neighborhood Association, recently told the Sturgis City Commission that state housing grants used for SNA’s administrative costs are being eliminated, representing a $30,000 hit to the agency’s budget.
Under a proposed one-year agreement, SNA and the city would agree to share a portion of profit from the sale of rehabilitated properties as a credit against a proposed $4,200 monthly payment to SNA. The city now contributes $15,000 annually.