City of Bay City, MI Live Stream

The City of Bay City, Michigan held a commission meeting on May 19, 2026, focusing primarily on the utilities budget, including electric, sewer, water, and sanitation funds. The discussion detailed budget increases driven by capital projects, operating costs, and personnel expenses, with the electric utility budget rising by about $5 million due to increased power purchase costs and capital outlays funded partly by reserves. The sewer and water utilities budgets showed relatively stable or decreased expenses, with ongoing capital improvements such as lead service line replacements supported by grants and loans. The sanitation fund faced a projected shortfall, prompting a proposed $3 monthly rate increase per bin to cover rising costs including staffing, fuel, and tipping fees. Commissioners debated the potential privatization of sanitation services but expressed consensus against it, emphasizing the value of city employment and service quality. Alternative cost-saving measures, including recycling program adjustments and regional service expansion, were discussed. Public input highlighted concerns about rising utility costs and opposition to privatization. The commission approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda without changes, and no votes on procurement contracts or new vendor selections were recorded during this session.