St. Joseph City Commissioners have voted to start paying the city harbormaster, who has been doing the job since 2022 without compensation.
At a meeting this week, St. Joe Assistant City Manager Tim Zebell told commissioners that Michael Moran has faithfully held the position on a voluntary basis, performing a variety of tasks for the shipping community.
“Tracking every commercial and governmental vessel arrival to our port and recording the tonnage of the material received, checking the harbor conditions before a vessel’s arrival, coordinating dredging, providing public information about the harbor notices and bridge issues,” Zebell said.
Moran also ferries crewmembers for groceries and other errands, and even brings donuts to Great Lakes crews. City Manager Emily Hackworth recommended Moran start receiving some compensation for his efforts, and Commissioner Michael Fernandez agreed.
“People deserve recognition for the quality of their work, and I believe that he adds a lot of value based on what he does,” Fernandez said. “And I’m glad that we were able to find a way to fairly reward and acknowledge the value of the multitude of things that he does.”
Commissioner Tess Ulrey said, “Time to pay him,” while Commissioner Michael Sarola asked if the city of Benton Harbor or local docks could contribute.
Under the resolution unanimously approved by commissioners Monday, Moran will receive a stipend of $5,000 per year for serving as harbormaster. Speaking on social media later, he thanked the mayor and commissioners, saying, “I am grateful to all those who have spoken out in favor of what I do, and I am honored to be entrusted with this role in our community.”
Photo: the St. Joseph harbor being dredged.
