BAY CITY, Mich. (WJRT) – A plan to develop a drop-in shelter in Bay City for people who need immediate housing needs will be voted on by the new city commission next year.
The Bay City Commission discussed spending about $400,000 to support a new Good Samaritan Drop-in Center. It was the commission’s final meeting before new members are sworn in.
Bay City has been grappling with a homeless issue and authorities recently dispersed a homeless encampment.
City Commissioner Joe Rivet believes the next commission should decide whether to fund the organization and questioned the rush to use the money when the city has other pressing needs.
“We have no funding priorities, we have no strategy, but most importantly, as was indicated, this is a community issue,” he said. “This is the kind of thing with solid leadership and management you bring together the community, social services folks, community folks.”
City Commissioner Rachelle Hilliker advocated for approving the funding during Monday’s meeting.
“We do have a solution on the floor. It’s a good one,” she said. “We have plans to how it is going to be addressed in the future and I need you to consider that, because it is getting cold out there and there needs to be a solution.”
Bay City Commissioners voted 5-4 Monday to approve a measure that sends the resolution back to city staff. The new Bay City Commission is scheduled to meet for the first time on Jan. 6.
