Bay City directs $5 million to street repairs, holds half as reserve for grant matching

The Bay City Commission voted to direct the city manager and the Department of Public Works to prepare a street‑repair plan that allocates $5 million for street work, with half of those funds ($2.5 million) to be retained as reserves for future use and grant‑matching. The motion was introduced by Commissioner Tenney and adopted by roll call.

Commissioner Tenney said the $5 million would come from bridge lease proceeds and described it as a grant‑matching opportunity to leverage city dollars over several years rather than a one‑time fix for a few blocks. City staff confirmed the funds are intended for public infrastructure beneath the roads (not buildings) and that the initial action is to prepare a plan and return projects to the commission for approval.

Commissioners debated whether to withhold some funds pending costs for a proposed fire station and sought clarification on whether accrued interest in the account could be used for other city priorities. City staff and commissioners said the initial intent was to dedicate the principal and accrued interest to streets and infrastructure, but members asked staff to confirm the original resolution’s language on interest.

Commissioners asked that project lists, supporting presentations and the DPW’s prioritization (PACER scores were referenced) be posted to the public so residents can review which streets are being considered. The commission gave staff 30 days to prepare a plan and return to the body for final approval.

The resolution passed on a roll call vote. No immediate projects were authorized at the meeting; the action directed staff to develop and present a prioritized list of projects and a planned schedule.