Bay City Mayor Kathleen Newsham has announced her resignation, effective October 1, citing health concerns that prevent her from completing her term, which was set to end in December.
City Manager Dana Muscott read Newsham’s statement during the Bay City Commission meeting on Monday, September 16. The mayor, who was not in attendance, expressed regret about stepping down but emphasized the importance of maintaining the high standards of the office.
“Unfortunately, due to recent health concerns, I am no longer able to perform the duties to the standard I believe this office deserves and requires,” Newsham wrote in her letter. “Serving as Mayor has been a great honor, and I make this decision with the utmost respect for the office and the people of Bay City.”
Newsham has been a dedicated public servant in Bay City for 33 years, including her most recent tenure as mayor, which began in 2015. She also previously served as mayor in the 1990s and as a city commissioner.
The city commission has yet to outline a plan for appointing a successor to serve the remainder of Newsham’s term. In the interim, a motion was approved authorizing Commission President Jesse Dockett to sign city documents. Dockett abstained from voting, and Commissioner Andrea Burney cast the sole dissenting vote, expressing concerns about the overlap of mayoral duties with Dockett’s commissioner role.
Commissioner Dockett extended well wishes to Newsham. “This is a health issue for her, so I hope she gets better soon and we see her around for many more years.”
Under the Bay City charter, the mayor’s role is largely ceremonial, with voting responsibilities limited to breaking ties.
In other commission business, Bay Future Inc. CEO Jim Reaume provided updates on economic development projects, while the city engineering manager presented an asset management plan detailing funding strategies for city street improvements.
