STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis City Councilor Preston Williams has resigned. Williams’ letter of resignation was effective as of Monday, June 3.
Williams, who was in his third year as a councilor, said he wants to focus more time on family.
The city is in the process of getting an ordinance on the books that addresses replacing city council members or the mayor should they resign. The council passed second reading of the ordinance at its meeting on June 3. The ordinance will not become effective until 20 days after it has been published in the city’s legal newspaper, The Black Hills Pioneer. That could be the end of June.
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Because Williams resigned before the ordinance became effective, the council will need to appoint someone to fill the remaining 11 months of his term.
Mayor Angela Wilkerson said she and the council will address the vacancy at their meeting on Monday, June 17.
Williams was one of two representatives of Ward 3 on the Sturgis City Council. The other Ward 3 representative is Jim Thompson was elected and took office on May 6.
Williams said he initially ran for city council because he wanted to help effectively manage the growth of the community. That included ensuring that available housing as well as the associated infrastructure to support that growth were in place.
Williams served on the Sturgis Planning Commission prior to being elected to the Sturgis City Council in 2022.
“I have appreciated my time on the Sturgis City Council and want to thank all those who supported me,” Williams said. “I believe it is time for me to step away and move forward with my life.”
Williams’ family moved to Sturgis in the late 90s to start Foothills Home Medical Equipment. Growing up in Sturgis, he worked in the family business.
