Residents, editor criticize Bay City Bridge Partners tolling; commission allows extra public comment

At the Oct. 6 Bay City City Commission meeting, David Clark, editor of the Daily News, urged the commission to investigate billing and customer-service practices by Bay City Bridge Partners and called for city leaders to explore legal and financial steps to end the company’s management of the city’s tolled bridges.

Clark read a column that said Bay City Bridge Partners had sent erroneous bills — including notices to people who never used the bridges and, in at least one alleged case, to a deceased resident — and criticized the company for perceived lack of transparency and accountability. He said the Liberty Bridge began tolling in June 2023 and the Independence Bridge started tolling on Jan. 1, 2025, and called the arrangement “not a partner, that’s a parasite. Bay City deserves better.”

Why it matters: residents who use the crossings say the tolls affect commuting and household budgets, and critics say the private operator has not been responsive to local complaints. At least one commissioner has previously requested an update from the company; meeting remarks noted the company is not legally required to respond to the commission’s request for a representative.

During public input, commenters and Clark urged the commission to consider reinstating subscription options, creating low‑income discounts, capping late fees, rescinding nondisclosure provisions tied to any deal, and eliminating charges for emergency services. Clark said the company had offered a discreet 25% discount to county officials earlier in the year, which county leaders declined because it included confidentiality terms.

Commission action: a motion to allow two additional minutes for the speaker was made and seconded and approved on a roll-call vote after an objection from Commissioner Coakley. The commission did not take any direct policy action against Bay City Bridge Partners at the meeting but agreed to research the bounds and to clarify rules about use of prerecorded or synthetic voices during public comment.

What was said (selected): Clark concluded his remarks with, “Bay City deserves better.” Commissioner Coakley said she objected to extending the speaker’s time, stating, “I do object.” The commission then held and recorded a roll-call vote to grant the two extra minutes; a majority approved and Coakley voted no.

Next steps: Commissioners and staff said they will research policy and legal questions raised by residents and will pursue clarity on whether the company must meet with the commission on request. No formal proposal to change the bridge lease or operator was presented or voted on at this meeting.