The end of Bill Sturgeon’s professional road is coming, he’s announced — but he’s not taking the next exit.
Sturgeon, who has served as St. Cloud’s city manager for the last four years, service that followed another 35 years in fire/ rescue service, announced Friday that he’d be retiring from the city effective Sept. 2.
Sturgeon, 58, said he’s making the announcement to allow city leaders to begin the process of finding his proper successor, but staying on to complete some projects, and be part of the budget process for the 2022-23 fiscal year in order to deliver the city a balanced budget.
But aside from that …
“After serving in government for more than 40 years, it’s time to look at other opportunities,” he said. “After serving others in fire service and public safety … it’s a good time to serve my family, and start a new chapter in our lives.”
Sturgeon became the city manager first on an interim basis, then full time, after predecessor Joe Helfenberger resigned the post in July 2017 after just 20 months on the job.
Prior to that, Sturgeon succeeded Bill Johnston as St. Cloud Fire Chief in August 2013 after just five months as a St. Cloud assistant chief. He came to the city after serving with Orange County Fire Rescue for nearly 25 years.
Shortly into his tenure, the water quality issue reared its head, and he faced all the public outcry when many citizens starting seeing discolored water in 2019.
“We had get on top of the communication with the residents, and we kept after it,” Sturgeon said. “We worked to get the filters re-energized, and it became my goal to get us completely off the MYEX resin system on the way to delivering clean water. I’m confident it’s well on the mend.”
Sturgeon has also been integral in Toho Water Authority’s eventual takeover of the city’s water utility this fall. But, he said while projects like that come and go, he will leave behind a professional city staff to continue moving a fastgrowing city into the future.
“Yo u have to have quality people and staff to implement and run them,” he said. “The city is in good financial hands, and our bond rating has improved. The city manager relationship with the City Council is the best possible product for our residents.”
His staying on through the budget process for the 2022-23 fiscal year to be able to workshop with all city departments and make sure the small details needed are present. Beyond that, he said he’ll be, “Working with City Council and staff to ensure a seamless transition.”
City Council will discuss the selection process or an appointment of a new city manager at a future meeting. Sturgeon said it may or may not discuss the matter at tonight’s 6:30 p.m. meeting in Council chambers.
