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Bay City residents and commissioners press for transparency and legal options over bridge toll changes by United Bridge Partners
Summary
Residents and commissioners pressed for answers on Feb. 17 after Bay City Bridge Partners implemented toll changes that residents say remove an unlimited-crossing option and sharply raise monthly costs for families and businesses.
A wave of public comment at the Bay City City Commission meeting on Feb. 17 focused on tolling changes and customer impacts tied to the city’s lease with Bay City Bridge Partners. Residents said recent changes — in particular removing an unlimited-crossing option and large toll increases — will burden families and local businesses.
Multiple speakers urged the commission to make negotiations public, to demand restoration of an unlimited pass and to pursue legal remedies where the lease has been violated. “The unlimited crossing option going away will realistically turn this town into a single bridge, heavy congestion city for a majority of working families and businesses that need to cross multiple times a day,” said Paul Kleinau, a resident who addressed the commission during public comment.
What commissioners said
Commissioner Bernie Overshaugh pressed the city manager for details about whether outside counsel or in-house attorneys had reviewed a claimed breach of contract by the bridge operator. The city manager replied that attorneys are involved and that negotiations with the bridge operator are ongoing. Commissioner Prince said the executive officers had received an email update and that keeping negotiations private can protect the city’s negotiating position.
Public demands and proposed actions
Speakers called for immediate public updates, for an economic impact study, and for including Bay County in negotiations because residents and businesses outside city limits are affected. Kayla Harper, speaking for a local “bridge resistance” group, asked the commission to “provide regular updates to the public as this crisis unfolds” and to conduct an economic impact study to quantify harm to businesses and residents.
Legal and transparency questions
Residents repeatedly asked whether Bay City Bridge Partners had violated the lease and whether the city would declare a breach and pursue remedies. “Did they violate this contract? I want a yes or a no,” said Jeffrey (resident). The city manager and legal staff declined to give public details while negotiations are ongoing, telling commissioners the city lawyers are engaged and that any closed-session legal discussion would be brought to the full commission before being released.
Ending
Commissioners and staff said negotiations are continuing. Several residents said they would keep pressure on the commission for public updates, legal clarity and county involvement. City leaders did not announce any vote or final action on the bridge lease at the Feb. 17 meeting.
