STURGIS, S.D. – The Jackpine Gypsies and the City of Sturgis continue discussions over a proposed annexation of the historic club’s property, located off Moose Drive, near I-90.
Because of the ongoing discussions, a decision on the annexation was tabled for a second time at Monday night’s council meeting.
The group had said earlier they wanted to sit down and discuss the issue with officials so they could address some concerns they had about being annexed into the city.
The Gypsies’ worry the annexation goes further than the potential for higher property taxes. They are more concerned with city ordinances that may prevent the club from staging its races and other events on the grounds.
Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie says he doesn’t want that to happen and believes the heart of what they are looking for are assurances that they will be able to continue to operate as they always have.
With the tabling of the matter until June, the two sides will continue to discuss the proposal in hopes of reaching a voluntary annexation deal.
The council Monday night also delayed action on another annexation proposal for the Murray Properties. Those two sides are working on some concerns as well. That annexation proposal was tabled until the second meeting in May.
