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Bay City approves five‑year contract with McMillan Maintenance to operate Oak Ridge Cemetery
Summary
Commissioners approved a five‑year contract with McMillan Maintenance Services for Oak Ridge Cemetery (first year $155,000). Staff said only one bidder responded; commissioners asked staff to evaluate bringing the service in-house at contract end.
Bay City commissioners voted May 4 to approve a five‑year contract with McMillan Maintenance Services of Freeland to provide management and maintenance services at Oak Ridge Cemetery beginning May 19, 2026. The contract calls for $155,000 in the first year with scheduled increases in subsequent years.
Commissioner DeWitt moved to approve the recommendation from the city manager's office; Commissioner Cubitt seconded. During discussion staff said the city solicited bids but received only one responsive proposal, which staff and purchasing reviewed. A procurement staffer said many municipalities perform cemetery maintenance in‑house, and city staff committed to study the feasibility and potential cost savings of bringing the service inside city operations by the end of the five‑year term.
Commissioner Zanotti expressed reservations about a five‑year lock‑in if local competition is limited; parks and procurement staff said the five‑year arrangement matched past practice and reflected the current market situation. The motion passed on roll call.
Why it matters: cemetery maintenance is a recurring service and the five‑year contract represents a multi‑year commitment of city dollars; commissioners asked staff to track cost comparisons and revisit whether in‑house provision would be feasible when the contract nears completion.
