BAY CITY -- Bay City’s millage proposal is a no go.  Six city commissioners voted against putting a request on the August ballot to raise the current millage from 17 mills to 19, a limit imposed by city charter.  The move would have generated approximately $1.2 million dollars, but would not have had an immediate affect on the near $1.7 million deficit.  Only three commissioners voted for the measure. 

“I’m glad it failed,” said Sixth Ward Commissioner John F. Davidson.  “I have a lot of taxpayers that have called me.  They don’t want a millage on the ballot.  I have a lot of retirees and low income people that I represent.  They all said they don’t want another tax increase,” he added. 

The move brings the city closer to the possibility of layoffs.  Bay City could lose 5 firefighters and 6 police officers if the administration does not receive adequate concessions from the public safety unions.  City Manager Robert Belleman has requested 10.8 percent in concessions across the board.

Kurt Wagner, president of the firefighters union, said they will do their best on drafting proposals but “whether they accept it or not is up to them.”