Commission approves three‑year security contract for Liberty Harbor Marina; vote 7–1

The Bay City Commission voted 7–1 on May 5, 2025, to approve a three‑year security services agreement for Liberty Harbor Marina with R & D Connelly Security Agency, Inc. The contract sets hourly rates of $16.99 for year one, $18.01 for year two and $19.09 for year three, with an additional $350 per week for a marked security car when needed.

Craig Zworski, marina staff, explained to commissioners the practical rationale for contracted security: transient boaters and slip holders have experienced thefts and property losses, he said, and marina users pay annual or seasonal fees that support the marina budget. "These boaters are paying $2,000, $4,000 a year to have their boats there," Zworski told the commission, arguing that use fees support security coverage and that officers will summon police when needed.

Commissioners discussed whether contracted security was the proper use of city funds; staff clarified the marina is self‑supporting and the security cost is paid from slip and transient fees, not the general fund. Commissioner Tenney said she had misread the funding source earlier and that the program was funded by marina revenues rather than general taxpayer dollars.

The commission approved the agreement by roll call: Hillacre — yes; DeWitt — yes; Remberg — yes; Charlevoix — yes; Morris — yes; Coakley — yes; Bernie Obershaw — no; Tenney — yes. The motion carried 7–1.

Ending: The contract will take effect as approved; staff said security will provide overnight coverage and extra presence for events, and will continue to coordinate with police when incidents occur.