Bay City commission refers $400,000 Good Samaritan drop-in center proposal back to staff after debate

The Bay City Commission on Dec. 16 voted to refer an amended resolution that would commit $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $150,000 in city marijuana-tax revenue — a combined $400,000 — to support a Good Samaritan drop-in center, sending the item back to staff for further development and public engagement.

The item, presented as "Regular Agenda 1," was moved for approval by Commissioner Hilliker and seconded by Commissioner Brunner. Commissioner Lundberg successfully proposed an amendment requiring semiannual reporting by the drop-in center that would include a financial report, an operational performance review (numbers served, services provided, outcomes), community feedback and a requirement that services be provided free from mandatory religious participation. The chair said there was no objection to including the amendment language.

Debate centered on the project’s funding source and readiness. Commissioner Rivett objected to shifting marijuana-tax dollars and argued the commission had not developed a funding strategy: “You’re asking for $150,000 of marijuana money that was already allocated to streets,” he said. Several commissioners said they wanted more public involvement and briefings before committing significant city funds, and Commissioner Prince urged waiting for the incoming commission to consider the item in the context of the next budget. City staff told the commission the $250,000 would be drawn from multiple years of CDBG allocations (2019–2022) and the $150,000 would come from the city’s marijuana-tax fund for the next fiscal year.

City staff also warned that even if the commission approved funding this month, construction and setup would take time; officials estimated the facility would likely be ready in spring and would not provide immediate shelter for the current winter. “We can write the check tomorrow,” the chair said during the meeting, “but it takes time to spool up,” underscoring the difference between authorizing funds and delivering services.

Public comment included a speaker identifying with Wicked Emporium Studios and a grassroots movement who urged the commission to delay the resolution and hold a public forum, saying the city should prioritize fire and police needs. Supporters and several commissioners said the proposal was a community-driven option and a necessary piece of a broader homeless services strategy; opponents said the timing and level of briefing were inadequate for a last meeting before a new commission takes office.

On the final motion — to refer the amended resolution back to staff for additional briefing and public engagement — the commission recorded a 5–4 vote in favor of referral. The referral means staff will return with additional analysis, outreach notes and the Lundberg reporting language for consideration by the commission at a later meeting.

Next steps: staff will prepare the requested follow-up materials — including the semiannual reporting framework and additional community engagement — for the commission’s review. The referral does not approve or deny construction or contracting for the proposed drop-in center; it pauses formal authorization pending staff work and further commission action.