Midland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Midland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Freedom of Information Act appeal
The council backed the city attorney's refusal to fully release records from two September FOIA requests. Residents seeking those records now have the appeal path exhausted at the local level.
Future fire station locations and count
The Council took a deep dive with fire leadership into how many stations the department may need going forward and where they should sit. Nothing was decided, but this study could shape response times and city spending on facilities for years to come.
Police Department fee increases
Several police service fees would climb under the proposed ordinance — notary service jumps from $2 to $10, breath tests from $5 to $10, and fingerprinting from $10 to $15. Final vote September 28.
Police equipment and technology upgrades
The police department is getting three new patrol vehicles to replace aging, high-maintenance units, plus a $104,874 records management system that supports investigations and public transparency.
Outdoor emergency warning siren replacement
The city's tornado and emergency sirens are being replaced with a new system from West Shore Services for about $383,538, paid from the fire budget. This is the system residents rely on for outdoor severe-weather warnings.
Pi's Brothers Liquor License Revocation
Pi's Chinese Restaurant's liquor license is headed for revocation after the business failed to pay its winter 2025 property taxes despite repeated notices. The recommendation now goes to the state liquor commission.
Liquor license violation — Pi's Chinese Restaurant
One licensee was found delinquent on property taxes; unless the debt is paid before April 13, Pi's Chinese Restaurant faces a show-cause hearing on revoking its liquor license.
Fire Department rescue boat and donations
The Fire Department gets a new $91,553.90 rescue boat, and a $4,500 Mary Currie Foundation donation heads its way pending a February 9 hearing.
Firefighter breathing apparatus replacement
A federal grant covers most of the $1.29 million cost of new self-contained breathing apparatus for Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw firefighters; the city's local match is only $34,642.53.