Mackinac Island officials agree on ferry service

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI (AP)--   An agreement would set guidelines for Mackinac Island ferry service and avoid the prospect of new state oversight. 

The Detroit Free Press reports the Island's City Council on Wednesday evening essentially approved a memorandum of understanding reached following an earlier meeting involving the Mayor, ferry representatives and others with a stake in the Island.  Under the agreement, ferries would get some freedom to set prices in summer and the city has the ability to assure competition and winter travel.

The agreement follows disagreements in recent years about ferry franchises.  It avoids the prospect of legislation that could end Mackinac Island's ability to regulate ferry service. 

Mayor Margaret Doud signed the memorandum and says she's concerned about Senate bills taking away city powers.