STURGIS – Sturgis voters have overwhelmingly rejected the annexation of property along Interstate 90 that includes the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle track and clubhouse. The vote 737-421 against annexation
The city council approved annexing the land this spring, but the Gypsies and their supporters gathered enough signatures to force the referendum election held Tuesday.
Gypsies Chairman of the Board Brett Winsell says the club is thankful for the support with the outcome “like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders.”
Club members had worried that annexation would make it difficulty to hold many rally events, but now they are “ready to go ahead and put together probably the very best set of shows the Jackpine Gypsies has ever put on.”
City Manager Daniel Ainslie says annexation isn’t dead, although state law prohibits another attempt for a year.
. Ainslie pushed for annexation, saying the Gypsies receive some city services even though they don’t pay city property taxes because the land is outside the city limits. He says he may try again if the city can’t reach a voluntary annexation agreement with the Jackpine Gypsies.