The cleanup continues at Bay City's city hall after an October 12th fire that caused a lot of damage.

It's one of MidMichigan's most historic and scenic buildings, but because of last month's fire city workers are now in the old social security building, which was vacant and up for sale.

Bay City Deputy City Manager Dana Muscott says, "It was a challenge getting everybody in here and getting them organized, but we were up and running in a week."

From the historic counters and desks, to now file cabinets and tubs, it's like working out of a suitcase for several more months.

"It is going to be at least six months before we're back in there working. We'll be all going back together. We're not going to go office-by-office. The council chambers will probably be a year," says Muscott.

At first, the fire at city hall was believed to have started from a short in an attic vent fan, however further investigation showed it was caused accidentally by a construction worker grinding off bolts.

"The city has a $1,000 deductible. everything else is covered by insurance," Muscott says.

In the meantime, residents don't have a central location to take care of city business.

"I recommend people look at our website or call before coming because you pay bills at different locations in the city."

Even with the new location, Bay City officials say election night was one of the most efficient nights in recent memory. All the ballots were counted by 10:30 that night.