The Bay City Commission meeting on September 16, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the status of Fire Station Number 5, which was closed in July 2024 without prior notice to residents or officials. The closure was attributed to staffing shortages and mold issues stemming from a leaking roof, which some attendees criticized as a result of poor management and neglect.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the implications of the station's closure on public safety, particularly for the Wilder Road, Truman Parkway, and Industrial Park areas. The speaker emphasized that these regions are vulnerable during emergencies due to their isolation from other fire stations, exacerbated by frequently blocked streets from train traffic and bridge repairs.

The current staffing levels were also a focal point of the discussion. The city’s transition to a public safety model has reportedly reduced the number of full-time firefighters from approximately 60 to around 23, raising alarms about response times and the safety of both residents and firefighters. The speaker urged the commission to prioritize the reopening of Fire Station Number 5 and to hire additional firefighters to ensure adequate emergency response capabilities.

In response to these concerns, the city manager announced plans for an architectural review of Fire Station Number 5, with findings expected by October. This review aims to assess necessary repairs to facilitate the station's reopening. Additionally, a resolution passed in April allows for the use of TIFA funds for repairs, although updates on this matter have been lacking.

The meeting concluded with a call for the commission to prioritize public safety and take proactive measures to prevent potential disasters, underscoring the critical need for a fully operational fire station in the area.