Bay County board votes to begin formal removal proceedings against library trustee Douglas Stone

The Bay County Board of Commissioners voted March 10 to initiate formal proceedings under MCL 40 six‑eleven to consider removing Douglas Stone from the Bay County Library System Board of Trustees, and directed county counsel to prepare a charging document and notice of hearing scheduled to follow the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 7, 2026.

The resolution, read into the record by the chair, lists multiple allegations that the board said could constitute official misconduct or habitual or willful neglect of duty. Among the items the resolution cites are alleged statements by Trustee Stone at past library board meetings, including the resolution’s paraphrase that he said “I think more needs to be done to discriminate against the homeless,” that he reported seeing “a bomb carrying stuff” in a parking lot, and that he repeatedly called the library board “nothing but a rubber stamp” and “a joke,” and “that they...give a **** about the library.” The resolution also alleges that Stone released misleading information about library staffing and budget and used altered or after‑created documents to support his claims.

At the meeting several members of the public urged the commission to support the library and to nominate trustees who will advocate for the system. Public commenter Katelyn and Benjamin Day presented January usage figures for the library system, saying “All of the branches had total visitors over 20,000 in January,” and noted “59,000 items in circulation just in January” to argue strong community use and support for a millage renewal. Christopher Girard, who identified himself as mayor of Bay City, said continuity and experience on regional behavioral‑health and library‑related boards matter for residents who rely on services.

Commissioners moved and supported the resolution to initiate proceedings; the record shows the motion carried by voice vote. The resolution directs the Bay County Corporation Counsel to prepare and serve a formal written notice of hearing and charging document that will outline the specific allegations and provide the trustee a full opportunity to respond in person or by counsel before the board takes any removal vote.

The next procedural step is the public hearing set to follow the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 7, 2026. At that hearing the board said it will receive evidence and allow Mr. Stone to be heard before any vote is taken.