The Bay City Commission meeting held on September 9, 2025, featured significant public discourse regarding the proposed purchase of ankle monitors from Flock Safety by the Bay City Department of Public Safety. The meeting highlighted concerns from residents about the implications of this technology and its potential impact on civil liberties.

A resident voiced strong objections to the marketing materials shared by the Department of Public Safety, which promoted the use of Flock Safety's ankle monitors. The speaker criticized the department for disseminating what they described as private company marketing, expressing skepticism about the technology's effectiveness and the potential for abuse. They emphasized that while the monitors are intended to assist in crime prevention, the risks associated with surveillance technology could outweigh any benefits. The resident pointed out that public feedback on social media was overwhelmingly negative, with no supportive comments found in response to the department's posts.

Additionally, the speaker urged the city to redirect the budgeted funds for the ankle monitors towards other community needs, such as addressing homelessness or repairing the fire department's facilities. They argued that investing in community welfare would be a more effective way to enhance public safety than implementing a surveillance system.

Another resident, Jeff Reed, expressed discontent with the Bay City Bridge Partners, calling for a boycott of their services. He criticized the company for perceived dishonesty and urged citizens to withdraw their financial support.

In response to the public input, Commissioner Runberg acknowledged the concerns raised about the marketing materials and the need for transparency in communicating with residents. The meeting underscored a growing apprehension among Bay City residents regarding surveillance technologies and their implications for privacy and community trust. The commission's next steps will likely involve further discussions on the proposed ankle monitor purchase and how to address the community's concerns effectively.