BUCYRUS–The Bucyrus City Council met Tuesday evening. Among other items on the agenda, two citizens spoke to the Council about opening Aumiller pool this year.

Ken Long, Bucyrus, told the Council that he was there for his grandkids, who enjoy the pool.

Long asked the Council if they could pull money from other funds to open the pool. “I’m just looking for answers,” Long said.

Councilman Dan Wirebaugh, Chairman of the finance committee, replied: “If you want answers, I’ll give you an answer. We don’t have the money. In November we knew we would not have the funds for the pool. Nothing’s been done,” Wirebaugh said.

Wirebaugh told Long the tax base is behind because the industry has left.

The pool was not the only budget item that took a total hit. The building maintenance fund of $ 400,000 was removed from the budget.

If the Council could get $70,000 in donations, they could swing the cost of the pool for this year. Wirebaugh said his calls to the YMCA have gone unanswered. They had previously with the pool when the city was in a financial crunch.

Kurt Fankhauser, owner of Wavelinc Communications, suggested the administration call area businesses for donations.

“The administration should go down the list and call and ask. There are businesses that will help, but you have to ask. I’ll give. Call me tomorrow,” Fankhauser said.

Ken Long suggested plaque sponsorships starting at $500.00 for anyone who wants to contribute. In other council business, Mayor Reser proclaimed April is Child Abuse Prevention and

Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The proclamation can be read in its entirety on the city’s Facebook page.

Seven permits to build new homes were issued in March, more than is usually given in an entire year.

Residents will be permitted to place six extra bags of trash for pickup during the week of May 1-5.

Tennis and pickleball nets will go up on May 1.

City Auditor Kali Lewis reported that March’s cash statement is down by $709,000 (68%) from last year. In the past, March has been one of the most vital months.

Lewis told the Council, “Revenue loss is 3% over last year. Once we hit revenue loss, we tend not to get back into positive gains year-end. So it’s not boding well for the city,” Lewis said.

Mayor Reser encouraged Council to return to discussions with police and fire about ways to save money.

“There’s one tool left, and that’s a lay-off for police and dispatch. We need to explore ways to cut the $600,000.00 in overtime. We need further discussions on the income tax credit. If we had that this year, we wouldn’t be in this mess. This is not sustainable. Our financial predicament is worse,” Reser said.

Due to Holy Week observances, Committee meetings for Thursday are canceled.