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Residents press commission on Bay City Bridge Partners negotiations as bridge toll controversy persists
Summary
Multiple residents and commissioners raised questions about negotiations with Bay City Bridge Partners, toll levels and the city's legal and financial exposure. The commission said attorneys are negotiating and that the city remains cautious to avoid costly liabilities.
Residents and several Bay City commissioners pressed city staff and legal counsel on March 3 over ongoing negotiations with Bay City Bridge Partners (the private partner operating the city bridges) and recent public reports about toll changes.
The issue surfaced repeatedly during the remarks of commissioners and in public comment. Commissioner Andrea Bernie Obershaw asked why the company had reportedly reduced a proposed toll from $30 to $15, suggesting that the company’s action might indicate a contract breach and give the city leverage in negotiations. The mayor and city staff said the matter is in the hands of the city attorney and outside counsel.
Why this matters: public concern centers on whether the private operator violated its contract, whether the city must reimburse the operator if the contract is voided, and who bears the legal costs of litigation or arbitration. Commissioners said that voiding a long-term contract…
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