In the last two years, the city of St. Cloud has seen four individuals in the role of city manager. The latest: Bill Sturgeon, he’s serving as interim city manager.

  • Bill Sturgeon is the new interim city manager
  • The St. Cloud has had 4 city managers in 2 years
  • Sturgeon hopes to become the permanent city manager

“I was like every other employee -- hurting,” Sturgeon said.

The former city manager Joe Helfenberger resigned. But before he did, a council member motioned to terminate him for making tax payments without telling the council first. That motion did not pass.

In the last city meeting, Helfenberger said, “I think it would be mutually beneficial for myself and the city to do a voluntary separation agreement.”

In that meeting, it was insinuated that a council member threatened Helfenberger to hire a particular person as the Economic Development Recruiter, a temporary position initiated by the city manager.

Residents called for an investigation, most of the council agreed. “If we don’t investigate, we condone. It really is that simple,” said one resident during the meeting.

Since the charter prohibits the council from directing who is hired or fired, Sturgeon has to now find an attorney to investigate if any of the council members committed a violation.

In just a couple of months, two city directors resigned, another was fired. Sturgeon says he wants to help turn things around.

Sturgeon has been the Fire Chief of St. Cloud since 2013 but now the Deputy Fire Chief will fill that position.

“I had to turn in all my fire equipment, my fire vehicle and it was a sad day," Sturgeon said. "This is my 37th year in the fire service.”

He’s been serving as the assistant city manager for the past six months, experience he said will help with his plan of action.

“We’re confused of the direction of the city,” Sturgeon said. “And that’s not anybody’s fault, this is what happens in organizations sometimes when there is a transition. And my job is to try and get the ship going back in the right direction.”

Sturgeon is hopeful he will be permanently appointed to the position.

“Get people involved, so they can sit here and stand from the end of New York Avenue look north,” Sturgeon said, “And say this is my city. This is my kind of town and I helped build it.”

Sturgeon is currently reviewing applications for the directors of Finance, Public Works, and Economic Development.