STURGIS, S.D. – The city of Sturgis met for their first meeting in September Tuesday night, and on their agenda was a resolution that will authorize the countersigning of contracts, agreements and plats.
The resolution follows the departure of Finance Officer Adam Hosch.
Mayor Angela Wilkerson says with the temporary absence of a Finance Officer, there are several duties and responsibilities that the Finance Officer must complete by state law. However, they do not have a single person on staff qualified to do all these duties and be temporarily appointed Finance Officer.
Wilkerson says therefore, it’s in the city best interest to delegate these authorities to the most qualified staff member.
Wilkerson says if other duties required by the Finance Officer are identified or if the timeline for replacing the Finance Officer extends into 2025 (election), then the Mayor will bring forward additional assignments.
For the authority to sign plats as the Finance Officer, Mayor Wilkerson plans to appoint Dave Smith, Director of Planning & Permitting.
For the authority to countersign agreements and contracts, she is appointing each department head for the agreements and contracts affecting their departments.
For the authority to countersign Sponsorship, Rally & Events agreements and contracts, Wilkerson plans to appoint Rick Bush, Director Public Works.
All plats as well as agreements and contracts are subject to Council approval prior to the Mayor and Finance Officer (or designee) being authorized to sign.
Wilkerson says no department head may sign and countersign an agreement or contract. For those who have been granted signing authority through resolution, the Mayor should countersign those agreements.
After an executive session on the issue, councilor Jesse Blakeman made the motion to approve the resolution with the addition of language clarifying that once the position is filled with a Finance Officer or Interim Finance Officer the signing authority would go away. Jim Thompson seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.
The Mayor also asked the council to approve a new stipend schedule for staff to cover temporary duties and responsibilities.
