MACKINAC ISLAND, MI -- "We are all totally open-minded on this situation and we will take every opinion into consideration," said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud.
The dispute is heating up over a newly proposed ferry line for Mackinac Island.
Wednesday, city leaders heard concerns from across the community.
Earlier this month, Arnold Transit and Star Line submitted a proposal to merge into a new company called Northern Ferry.
Under the deal, they would sell some assets to the city, and lease the property back in exchange for exclusive service to the island.
Shepler's Ferry Service is left out of the deal, so they filed an anti-trust lawsuit claiming it would create a monopoly.
City leaders held a meeting to hear all sides of the issue.
“There will be no decisions made at this meeting, absolutely none, we're here for input, discussion, but absolutely no decisions will be made," said Doud.
That was the first thing Mayor Margaret Doud told the 200 plus crowd. Each ferry company then had 20 minutes to pitch their plan and get public feedback.
First on the list was the proposed Northern Ferry group with a bid to become the island's exclusive ferry company.
"There's currently way too much capacity in this public utility, and consolidation needs to happen," said Arnold Transit Owner Jim Wynn.
“It's the most unhealthy system I know," said Star Line Owner Tom Pfeiffelmann. “He's offering, you actually came to him, but he was generous enough to offer it back to you."
They say their plan would be cheaper, more efficient and help the city triple what it brings in from $300,000 a year in franchise fees to more than a million dollars.
“I'm pleading for my life, right now, I'm pleading for our very existence, all I want is a 20 year franchise," said Bill Shepler, owner of Shepler Ferry.
Shepler worries for his 150 employees and what he says a monopoly will create a domino affect from the island to Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, but he needs a decision.
“My bank right now is saying are you going to be in business? I mean, I can't give them an answer," said Shepler.
Shepler questions if the move is even legal.
"The city can amend its ordinance if it chooses, and at this time, there is no obligation for the city to issue a franchise," said Mike Cavanaugh, the Mackinac Island Attorney.
So it's legal, but is it right?
“If it's up to Bill Shepler to put himself out of business, let him put himself out of business, but for the city to put him out of business, that's another thing," said one man who stood up and spoke.
“I'm not hearing from the people I've elected to represent me, and I think it's time we start hearing some of that discussion," said an Islander.
“We're going to have to put a lot of thought and reflection into it, get a lot of opinions, do a deliberation, and do what we think is best for Mackinac Island and the straits area," said Mayor Doud.
The Mayor says the city needs time to look over the proposals from the three companies, and she said the earliest a decision will be made will be in a month, it won't happen in October.
Representatives from the Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit were at the meeting, organizers of the Port Huron to Mackinac Race.
They support saving Shepler’s, saying the company is a big contributor to their race.
If things change, that could impact their event.
