Voters defeat Sturgis annexation plan

Off thE Wire
Associated Press - February 3, 2010 7:55 AM ET

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) - Meade County residents have voted not to annex an area east of Sturgis to the city.

Tuesday's vote was 818 in favor and 920 against, meaning about 53 percent of voters opposed the plan.

The city had hoped to bring in the additional 1,800 acres to generate more sales tax revenue. Officials said that during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, businesses and campgrounds in the area benefited from city services without having to pay taxes.

Full Throttle Saloon owner Mike Ballard said he brings business to the city, and the city was trying to take money away from him.

The annexation plan ended up on the ballot after opponents gathered enough signatures to refer it to a public vote.

Original article...

http://www.ktiv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11924701