Shepler's Ferry Fears Mackinac Island Won't Want His Service Next Year

<p><em><a href="mailto:payettepc@interlochen.org">By Peter Payette</a></em></p> <p>Mackinac Island says it may not renew franchise agreements with all existing ferry boat companies. The city has asked the three companies now operating to submit proposals by next Monday.</p> <p>The city's attorney, Mike Cavanaugh, says some Mackinac Island residents think there are too many boats running, and the ticket prices are too high. He says residents also worry about losing service in the off season.</p> <p>"That's why we wanted the ferry boat companies to submit ideas of their own and information and proposals they may have idea that have not been considered ...if they have solutions we'd like to hear that," he says.</p> <p>Some city officials have expressed an interest in buying the docks owned by Arnold Transit.</p> <p>One of the owners of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry has accused Island officials of secretly negotiating with Arnold. Chris Shepler thinks the deal might involve a monopoly for Arnold on ferry service to the island. </p>