By Dennis Volkert
A salary increase for Sturgis city manager Andrew Kuk was approved Wednesday by city commissioners.
The new wage $132,612, effective retroactively to April 13, 2024.
The contract approved in 2023 set Kuk’s annualized salary at $125,000. That agreement allowed for adjustments the same as all non-union employees receive for non-performance-based increases or decreases, and that adjustment brought the salary to $128,750 in March 2024.
The amendment considered Wednesday was an additional revision. It is a result of a review by the commission, held during a closed session July 10.
At this week’s meeting, mayor Frank Perez said the positive review reflects Kuk’s outstanding work as leader. He also said Kuk accepted a rate significantly below what was proposed by the commission.
Vice mayor Aaron Miller expressed appreciation for Kuk’s work, calling the raise “highly deserved.”
“It’s safe to say, the more time I spend on the commission, I realize city managers like Andrew are few and far between,” Miller said. “Andrew’s commitment to the city is unwavering. The demeanor with which he does so is unrivaled.”
Kuk thanked commissioners for the approval and support.
An additional evaluation for Kuk will be conducted in October. Perez previously suggested to the board having a “reset” for the review process at the start of the cycle shortly before the annual election period, so any new commissioner members have a full year to assess performance.
Kuk was named city manager in March 2023, succeeding Mike Hughes, whose resignation was effective in January that year. In December 2022, Kuk was designated interim manager. Prior to that, Kuk worked for more than 15 years as assistant city manager in Sturgis.
