Bay City commission approves $9,162.50 to Breaking Bread Village after contentious debate

The Bay City City Commission voted 6–2 on June 1 to allocate $9,162.50 to cover unmet costs for the Breaking Bread Village Pulse series, prompting a lengthy debate about community programming, contracting and use of general-fund balance.

Commissioner Teddy introduced the motion to approve the allocation and Commissioner Runberg seconded. Supporters, including Commissioner Tenney, argued the program brought community engagement and professional facilitation skills to discussions that benefited Bay City. "It's certainly increased my emotional intelligence," Tenney said in support, adding that local foundations had previously subsidized the series.

Opponents raised procedural and fiscal concerns. Commissioner Zanetti said the commission had not been consulted earlier about the program, questioned the expected outcome for taxpayers and urged more internal use of city staff and volunteers before contracting outside. "If we're going to do a program, the whole commission should be involved in what's the purpose for doing it?" she said. Commissioner Coakley also voted no, citing procurement and contract concerns.

Finance staff told the commission the one-time payment would be charged to the general-fund fund balance and that a contract will be required to reimburse the vendor. Some commissioners requested the city attorney finalize a contract before payment; others said they preferred to authorize the allocation promptly and finalize paperwork afterward.

Roll-call votes read into the record were (as spoken at the meeting): Doyle — Yes; Tenney — Yes; Zenaide — No; Do it — Yes; Rumberg — Yes; Charlevoix — Yes; Cubbage — Yes; Coakley — No. The clerk announced the motion passed, "Six yes, two no."

City staff said the allocation will be reflected as a budget amendment and the city attorney will prepare the required contract language before funds are disbursed.