Corporation Counsel and Risk Management
Suite 402
515 Center Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5125
Telephone: 989-895-4131
TDD/TTY (hearing impaired): 989-895-4049
Fax: 989-895-7658
The Department of Corporation Counsel/Risk Manager is located within the Bay County Executive's Office. Martha P. Fitzhugh is responsible for all civil legal affairs of Bay County government and is the attorney appointed as Corporation Counsel/Risk Manager. County Staff Attorney Jan Miner is employed part-time to assist with departmental work delegated by Ms. Fitzhugh. Debra Russell serves as Executive/Legal Coordinator.
Under Bay County's Optional Form of County Government, the County Executive appoints the Bay County Corporation Counsel to perform all civil law functions, and to provide property acquisition services for the County as provided by law. These duties include defending the County against all civil complaints, providing legal opinions, and serving as Bay County's Freedom of Information Act Coordinator.
The Department of Corporation Counsel provides services required by Bay County officials and departments as they carry out the business of the county, such as contract renewal and preparation. The office is not authorized to provide citizens with legal representation for personal matters which are appropriately directed to private attorneys.
This Department serves as Risk Manager for Bay County, overseeing liability insurance coverage, risk prevention services, and claims management. Bay County is insured through the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA) and the Housing Authority Insurance Group.
Project Attorney for Bay County Department of Corporation Counsel
Job Title:
Opportunities are available to perform legal work for the Department of Corporation Counsel on an occasional, project-by-project basis to supplement civil legal services. Temporary assignments are of indefinite duration and quantity of assignments is uncertain. The Department of Corporation Counsel maintains a list of attorneys on-call who are available to perform discrete assignments as necessary.
Typical Duties:
The Department of Corporation Counsel has responsibility for all civil legal work for Bay County. Likely assignments include providing written opinions regarding governmental law, drafting and reviewing of contracts, and handling of other legal matters involving departments of the County.
Legal Fees:
Applicant must specify hourly rate to be charged the County.
Application:
Please submit letter of request to Corporation Counsel, Martha P. Fitzhugh, including credentials and information about experience and interests.
Contact:
Bay County Corporation Counsel, Martha P. Fitzhugh
515 Center Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5994
Bay County Ordinances Online
You can now access the complete set of Bay County ordinances online through Municode.org by clicking here. (There is no charge to use this service.)