Commissioners debate $16 hourly security agreement for Liberty Harbor Marina in Saginaw

During a recent meeting of the Bay City Commission, a proposal to engage R and D Connelly Security Agency for security services at Liberty Harbor Marina sparked a lively debate among commissioners. The City Manager recommended the agreement, which would cost $16.99 per hour in the first year, increasing to $19.09 by the third year, along with a weekly fee for a security vehicle.

Commissioner Tenney raised concerns about the effectiveness of hiring a private security firm, questioning whether public funds should be used for this purpose. He expressed skepticism about the value of having security personnel who primarily call the police in case of incidents, suggesting that a full-fledged public safety officer might be a better investment.

In response, Craig Zworski, a city representative, noted that security has been a longstanding practice at the marina, citing past issues with theft and the need for a visible presence to deter crime. He emphasized that boaters pay significant fees for their slips, and part of that revenue is allocated to security measures.

Commissioner Coakley echoed Tenney's concerns, questioning the rationale behind using taxpayer money to protect the boats of affluent residents while basic community needs, such as sidewalks and street repairs, remain unmet. This sentiment highlighted a broader concern about prioritizing public spending in a city facing financial constraints.

The discussion underscored the ongoing debate about resource allocation in Bay City, as officials weigh the need for security against other pressing community needs. The commission ultimately approved the motion to engage the security firm, but the conversation revealed a community grappling with how best to serve its residents while managing limited funds.