(STURGIS) - The Sturgis City Commission has unanimously agreed to have an investigation conducted against some of its members.
During Wednesday's meeting, Commissioner Aaron Miller introduced a resolution calling for an investigation of wrongdoing by certain commissioners. Miller says after the May 13 meeting when a similar resolution was defeated, he thought more about the matter and heard from several citizens, which is why he re-introduced the resolution.
Miller also included himself as part of the investigation and Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins says he should be a part of the investigation as well.
The Commission went into a closed session to hear a legal opinion by City Attorney T.J. Reed. After returning to open session, Miller withdrew his motion for the investigation.
Miller then introduced a slightly rewritten resolution. It directs the City Commission that an outside counsel conduct an investigation into himself along with fellow Commissioners Rick Bir, Cathi Abbs, Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins, Mayor Frank Perez and former Commissioner Linda Harrington for potential violations against specific pieces of Michigan law and its various associated case law, Sturgis City Commission Procedures and the Sturgis City Charter. (LISTEN ABOVE).
Miller included himself in the investigation, saying that if he is asking for others to be investigated then he should be as well for clarity reasons. Mullins agreed and wanted to be investigated as well.
Miller's resolution specifically asks the investigation to look into all the details surrounding the entire situation that was the cause and central reason for the closed session held by the City Commission on April 8, 2026. The resolution also asks the investigation to reveal its contents, findings and recommendations to the Sturgis City Commission for its review, legal review and future determination to release.
Voting in favor of the resolution were Miller, Mullins, Abbs, Bir, and Commissioners Marvin Smith, Daniel Boring and Justin Wickey. Mayor Frank Perez was not in attendance, as he was out of town for a trip with his family for his son's soccer tournament.
City Attorney T.J. Reed told Swick Broadcasting that the investigation will start in the next few weeks.