NEW CUMBERLAND — A divided Hancock County Commission approved a new concessionaire for Kennedy Marina Monday, with some concerns expressed as to whether the new caretaker could be ready for the start of the marina’s summer season.

Commissioners held a bid opening for the contract Monday morning, convening into a special session in the afternoon to consider their options.

“We received five bids,” noted County Administrator John Klee.

Of the options, commissioners approved the bid from Cemco Inc., which listed an address of 9 Riverside Drive, New Cumberland, with a bid of $4,000 per month. The bid was approved by a 2-1 vote, with Commission President Eron Chek voting against.

Commissioner Tommy Ogden recommended the bid, noting that, while it was in the middle of the field as far as potential rent revenue to the county, he felt it would provide the most return.

“I believe he has very ambitious plans,” Ogden said. “I believe short- and long-term, he would be the best partner.”

Chek, however, pointed to some conditions proposed as part of the bid, although not going into detail.

“We don’t know if we can meet his conditions,” she said.

Commissioner Paul Cowey admitted at least part of the proposal would need approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior, but Ogden said he felt the county should be able to get an answer within the next two weeks.

Chek promoted the idea of going with another of the bidding companies, saying, while its bid was lower, they already had provided an assessment of the needs at the marina and performed some work.

“They stepped up,” Chek said. “Their bid is very low, but their investment is very high.”

According to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, Cemco Inc., also known as Cemco Field Services LLC, is involved in construction.

Klee noted, under terms of the bid, Cemco did provide an action plan for work needed leading up to the seasonal opening, which commissioners previously said would be May 5, as well as a five- and 10-year plan for development of the site.

In other business, Monday, commissioners approved the hiring of Jeremy Cooper for a full-time assistant maintenance position, and Eric Ford for a seasonal, part-time maintenance position, both effective Monday. A proposal for another individual, Chad Stevens, was pulled, with Chek claiming he had not met all of the requirements for the posting.