Bay City hires top‑scoring firm to run city manager search after evening of presentations

The Bay City City Commission on Feb. 23 selected the top‑scoring executive‑search firm to lead its recruitment for a new city manager, following a series of timed presentations and a public comment period.

Commissioners interviewed multiple firms during a special meeting called for that purpose and used a pre‑circulated score sheet that weights five question categories equally. After tabulation, the commission announced the top three scorers and, on a motion to hire the top scorer that was seconded and put to roll call, voted to approve the contract; the clerk announced a nine‑vote affirmative tally and the mayor declared the motion passed.

Why it mattered

The city convened the special session because the incumbent city manager is departing and commissioners wanted to award a search contract quickly. Commissioners told presenters the commission expected a focused interview (roughly 20 minutes each) and that tabulated scores would drive a shortlist. The selection sets the vendor that will craft the recruitment brochure, lead…