5-18-26 Commission Meeting

The City of Bay City, Michigan held a commission meeting on May 18, 2026, focusing primarily on budget discussions related to the city's utilities, including electric, sewer, water, and sanitation services. The meeting detailed the proposed budgets for these utilities, highlighting increases in expenses due to factors such as capital projects, personnel costs, and rising operational costs like fuel and equipment. The electric utility budget showed a $5 million increase, partly funded by reserves, with discussions on power purchase costs and potential rate adjustments. The sewer and water utilities budgets included capital improvements funded by federal grants and ARPA funds, with attention to lead service line replacements and debt service. The sanitation fund faced a projected shortfall, prompting a proposed $3 monthly rate increase per bin to cover rising costs, including staffing and disposal fees. Commissioners discussed alternatives such as eliminating recycling, privatization of services, and expanding service areas, but there was general resistance to cutting recycling or privatizing due to community and quality concerns. The meeting included public input emphasizing concerns about rising utility costs and the importance of maintaining city control over services. The commission adopted the agenda and consent agenda without changes and planned further budget discussions in upcoming meetings.