By Dennis Volkert
Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday held public hearings regarding new sidewalks and sidewalk repair on St. Joseph Street.
The city of Sturgis engineering department is initiating the district in accordance with the public sidewalk construction policy, approved by city commissioners in 2011.
According to the policy, funding for both new sidewalk construction and repair is split 50-50 between the city and the property owner.
The district is being considered in conjunction with the St. Joseph Street reconstruction project.
The intent of the assessment district is to connect existing sidewalk segments along St. Joseph Street where gaps exist, and reconstruction of St. Joseph from North Nottawa Street to North Centerville Road.
A public hearing is required prior to any construction, to consider comments from residents regarding the necessity of improvements.
A letter was sent to affected property owners.
One resident on the street-repair list, Jim Henney, of 207 St. Joseph St., addressed commissioners on Wednesday, expressing displeasure with the request, believing it amounts to duplicate-taxation for homeowners.
Commissioners approved the special assessment districts as presented.
Facilities exemption granted
In a separate matter, city commissioners held a public hearing regarding an industrial facilities exemption certificate for Sturgis Molded Products.
The company is expanding its facility, with a 47,000-square-foot addition.
SMP, a plastic injection molder, has expanded the facility at 1950 Clark St. numerous times in the past, and been granted an IFEC. Current investment is valued at $2.85 million.
Approval of an IFEC provides the parcel owner with a reduction of about 50% of tax liability for a new addition.
IFEC applies only to what is called “real” property. Industrial personal property is exempt from local taxes.
Typically, the city has awarded IFEC for a term of 12 years. Approval results in annual tax savings for SMP of an estimated $35,000.
The board on Wednesday adopted a resolution approving an industrial facilities exemption certificate.
Prior to the regular meeting, commissioners held a work session pertaining to the city’s compost site, to discuss proposed changes.
