The Bay City City Commission voted on Nov. 24, 2025 to appoint Katie Doyle to the city’s vacant Third Ward seat after interviewing eight applicants and receiving extensive public comment.

Commissioners first tallied ranks that each member had recorded on the back of their agendas. The ranking produced a tie between two finalists; after a brief officers’ conference and a tie-breaking round in which commissioners stated their individual preferences, the chair announced an initial 7–2 preference for Katie Doyle. The body then moved to formalize the appointment: Commissioner Laura Cubitt moved to appoint Doyle to fill the seat through Dec. 31, 2026, Commissioner Coakley seconded, and a recorded roll-call vote was entered by the clerk and read aloud (the clerk recorded eight yes votes in favor of the appointment).

The process began with the chair explaining the ranking method: commissioners give each candidate 1–8 on the ballot, the clerk reverse-scores those ranks into points and sums totals to identify the top candidate. Commissioners said the ranking method had been used previously but that the tie exposed gaps they plan to review for future appointments.

The meeting included brief interviews with each candidate; applicants emphasized similar priorities for the city, most commonly roads and infrastructure, affordable housing, public safety and strategies to attract young residents and small businesses. Several candidates described community outreach plans such as door-to-door contact, coffee meetings and expanded online engagement.

During the public-comment period, multiple speakers urged the commission to appoint Kenzie Colton, citing her neighborhood outreach and work in community health. “She’s one of the smartest people I’ve met,” said Chris Hollovic, a fifth-ward resident who identified his address for the record. Lucas Brown Truman, another resident, told the commission that “Kenzie embodies the definition of integrity, passion, and professionalism.” Commissioners acknowledged the public input while noting they must follow the established appointment process.

After announcing the selection and completing the formal roll-call adoption of the appointment, Mayor Gerard said the commission would evaluate the ranked-choice process and consider procedural refinements. With no other business, the special meeting was adjourned.

The appointment will be part of the public record with the clerk’s tally and the recorded roll-call vote; the motion to appoint lists the term ending Dec. 31, 2026.