STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie is leaving Sturgis.
At the Monday Night Council meeting, Ainslie announced he had accepted a job as Director of Finance for the city of Rapid City.
Ainslie has been city manager since 2011.
The Sturgis City Council reluctantly accepted his letter giving notice following Monday night’s meeting.
Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen says the city has come a long way since it hired Ainslie and wouldn’t be on such solid footing moving forward it that had not happened.
Ainslie, in his message, said his departure is bittersweet and he was humbled by the dedication and passion of city staff in serving the people of Sturgis and working to improve their quality of life.
Ainslie and the City Manager office was targeted by a petition last year that was circulate to change the form of city government by three residents. That petition ended up in court and a vote was never scheduled.
Mayor Carstensen says the council will take some time to assess the path forward in replacing Ainslie, but the office will remain.
Ainslie says he plans to meet with the mayor and council to define a transition plan that will be the least disruptive possible.
RELATED: https://www.kbhbradio.com/news/breaking-sturgis-city-manager-leaving-for-job-in-rapid-city
