After May incident, Boyne City selects Common Angle for managed cybersecurity services

The Boyne City Commission on July 14 approved a managed cybersecurity and IT services agreement with Common Angle after staff presented four bids and recommended Common Angle.

City Manager Sam Dimel summarized the May 10 cybersecurity incident and said the city needs a more robust, consolidated IT provider. He recommended Common Angle because the police department already uses its services, Common Angle provided rapid assistance during the incident and the company offered to waive the Microsoft 365 migration cost (an estimated $15,000 savings).

Multiple public speakers and department staff backed the selection. Des Moore, who said he founded Common Angle, described the company’s municipal and healthcare experience; Boyne City police staff and other local officials said Common Angle’s responsiveness during the incident was critical. An RSM consultant (participating remotely) noted RSM’s bid included 24/7 support and asked the commission to compare scopes across proposals; the consultant also praised the city staff response during the incident.

Commissioners said the unbudgeted expense is appropriate to prevent future incidents and approved a motion to contract with Common Angle (motion carried by roll call). Staff said they will identify savings to cover the unbudgeted cost for the remainder of the year.

Next steps: City staff will execute the agreement and proceed with the migration/implementation work described in Common Angle’s proposal.