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Bay City Seeks Public Patience Amid FBI's State Theatre Investigation
Deena Bruderick
Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:25:38 EDT
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Bay City officials have finally addressed the controversy surrounding the downtown State Theatre and its former director, Mike Bacigalupo.
In a July 10th statement, the city acknowledged recent news about the theatre's bankruptcy and sale and requested public patience as a criminal investigation unfolds.
Bacigalupo, who was both the State Theatre's director and Bay City's Special Events Coordinator, faces allegations of potential funds mismanagement.
Emails revealing problems with a project at Wenonah Park led to Bacigalupo's dismissal. A whistleblower alerted officials that work began without a signed contract, despite a potential $900,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Initially meant for the city, the grant was transferred to the State Theatre by Bacigalupo, causing confusion since the theatre operates independently from the city. Marketing Manager Shelli Thurston raised concerns when she couldn't locate the grant contract.
MEDC's Jake Winder noted Bacigalupo facilitated the project, but he lacked the authority to change the grant recipient. Moreover, the MEDC never issued the funds due to unmet conditions.
Following these findings, City Manager Dana Muscott removed Bacigalupo from his city position on November 1, 2023, and he was subsequently fired as the theatre's director. Bacigalupo also resigned from other significant roles in Bay City.
City leaders emphasize their commitment to transparency and integrity and ask for the community’s patience as the FBI-assisted investigation continues.
