Bay City officials are gearing up for a significant financial decision as they prepare to issue a $17 million bond aimed at funding various municipal projects. During the City Council Workshop on July 22, 2025, discussions centered around the timeline and financial implications of this bond, which is expected to be finalized by spring 2027.

City representatives emphasized the importance of aligning the bond issuance with cash flow and project timelines. The goal is to ensure that the bond will not impact taxpayers, with plans to manage the debt maturity effectively. The council is currently assessing bids for the projects, which include a municipal court that may be bid out as an alternate option.

In addition to the bond, the council explored other funding sources such as industrial sponsorships, grants, and new market tax credits. However, officials noted that some of these funding avenues, particularly the TRS 5 program, may take time to yield financial returns.

The bond is projected to have a 30-year term, with discussions indicating that the city could potentially pay it off earlier if needed. The council is also reviewing the estimated interest payments associated with the bond, which will be detailed in future meetings.

As Bay City moves forward with these financial plans, the council remains focused on ensuring that the community's needs are met without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers. The next steps will involve finalizing bids and continuing to explore various funding options to support the city's development goals.