Bay County commissioners approve routine contracts, grants and proclamations
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Summary
Bay County commissioners at a Nov. 4 Committee of the Whole meeting approved a slate of contracts, grants and proclamations; staff clarified that a medical examiner RFQ lists $52,000 as contract compensation and excludes ancillary autopsy and transport costs.
Bay County commissioners at their Nov. 4 Committee of the Whole meeting approved a package of routine contracts, grants and renewals and received several staff reports.
The board unanimously approved a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Veterans Month in Bay County, encouraging residents, businesses and organizations to recognize veterans’ service. The board also approved an Emergency Management Homeland Security Grant Program award to fund LED signage for the Sheriff’s Office and renewed professional liability coverage for the Bay County Public Defender’s Office with AltaPro Lawyers Risk Purchasing Group.
Other approvals included a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) contract for 2025–26; the annual childcare fund plan and budget for 2025–26; an accounts-payable contract for 2025–26; an Eagle Grant for 2025; a certified lactation consultant agreement for 2026; a community dental centers agreement renewal for 2025–26; an MDARD welfare grant and an agreement with Michigan State University for a veterinary community medicine program; a Department of Aging purchase-of-service agreement for 2025–26; township-related items for Williams, Caw Cawin and Hampton townships for 2026; a snack-shop lease for recreation facilities; a 2026 Medicare Advantage contract renewal; a Covenant Occupational Health contract for 2025; a Delta Dental contract for 2026; employee health care contribution rates for 2026; a LegalShield contract for employee legal services; approval to receive a general fund equity analysis for 2025; acceptance of an update on Executive Directive 2007-11; approval of general payables; renewal of MMRMA coverage for 2026; and receipt of the Office of Assigned Counsel September 2025 report.
Several items drew brief discussion before approval. On the CASA contract, Justin Graham, deputy court administrator for probate and juvenile courts, described the program’s local impact, saying it "helps a lot of youth in our area and saves our county money" by expanding counseling and family support services. On the MMRMA renewal, Amber (MMRMA representative) reported the county’s claims were relatively contained and said the renewal increase was 2.86%.
The medical examiner RFQ prompted clarifying questions from commissioners about budget scope. Joel (county staff) said, "We have $52,000. … That is strictly just for the medical examiner's salary (contract). It doesn't include all the ancillary cost of the medical examiner, which could be like body transport, the forensic pathologist, the autopsy cost, and things like that." Staff confirmed the RFQ amount is for the contract compensation only; ancillary costs will be handled separately or billed as appropriate. The board approved the RFQ as presented.
All motions were moved and supported and carried by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript. Several items were received rather than acted on (for example, the general fund equity analysis and the Office of Assigned Counsel report). The meeting adjourned after announcements and community updates.
What’s next: The board approved the items as motions during the Committee of the Whole; any contracts or grants requiring signature or additional implementing steps will follow the county’s execution procedures and appear in subsequent meeting minutes or staff reports.