Bay City mayor says proposed resolutions distract from local priorities

Mayor Chris Girard also talks about the real issues facing Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. — Christopher Girard said a set of proposed local resolutions sometimes described by residents as a “welcoming city” measure would not change city policy and could distract from more pressing municipal priorities such as infrastructure, staffing and economic development.

In an interview, the mayor of Bay City said the proposal discussed earlier this week was divided into three separate resolutions, including provisions related to how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration enforcement and language addressing face coverings for federal officers.

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Girard said some residents interpreted the measure as similar to a sanctuary policy, which he described as a perception that a city would refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

A similar policy proposal passed 5 to 4 last year, he said, but he vetoed it after reviewing information from the city attorney and hearing from residents. Six votes were required to override the veto, and the proposal failed.

At the most recent meeting, Girard said the commissioner who introduced the resolutions withdrew two of them, citing concerns about the language and a desire to work with the public safety director to revise them. He added there is no guarantee the proposals will return for a vote.

Girard said existing city policies already address many of the issues raised and that Bay City lacks the personnel to conduct immigration enforcement for federal authorities. He said local police do not routinely stop residents to ask about immigration status.

He also said some provisions discussed by officials could be problematic, noting there were concerns certain elements “went a little too far” or might not be legal or acceptable and could conflict with existing labor contracts.

Girard said the city’s immediate priority should be replacing its city manager, who has announced plans to retire. He said the position plays a central role in coordinating city operations and planning.

“That really needs to be a priority so we can organize our plans on how do we better fix the streets, how are the potholes, but how do we bring people together as a community,” he said.

He cautioned that debates over national political issues can divide communities and may not affect local policy outcomes, comparing them to a city commission debating international issues.

Girard said Bay City has roughly 30,000 residents and has stabilized after population decline, though challenges remain. He pointed to assets such as waterfront access to the Saginaw Bay and said the city should find more ways to use that resource to attract development and visitors.

The mayor said attracting and retaining younger residents depends on jobs that pay wages allowing them to afford housing and participate in community life, along with safety and local amenities.

Bay City was historically built on lumber and manufacturing, including large automotive employment bases that have since declined, he said. He added that new developments, small business growth and infrastructure improvements are key to the city’s future.

Girard said he has emphasized community engagement since taking office a little more than a year ago, including launching an initiative called “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” aimed at strengthening social connections after the COVID period.

He said he regularly speaks with residents directly, including people who disagree with him or have called for his resignation, because dialogue can build understanding even when consensus is not reached.

Girard said he serves as mayor for $9,000 a year and spends roughly 20 to 40 hours weekly on city matters. He said he does not hold the position for money or recognition but because he wants to improve the community.