BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus City Council Finance Committee convened on Thursday night in the Council Chambers to deliberate on the proposed placement of a 3.25 mil property tax levy on the November Ballot.
The five-year levy, if approved, will be solely dedicated to the purchase of police and fire equipment.
Finance Chairman Kevin Myers presented the committee with lists outlining the anticipated equipment needs of the Fire and Police Chiefs over the next five years. Myers stressed that the lists were focused on necessary equipment needs rather than wants.
In an effort to be mindful of taxpayer dollars, both departments have implemented cost-saving measures.
Recently, the police department was granted $30,000 to acquire a used cruiser from another department. Bucyrus secured the cruiser with a bid of $23,000, with an additional $7,000 allocated for retrofitting the unit.
This cruiser will replace the current K-9 unit, which was severely damaged in an officer-involved shooting. The police department is also facing the impending replacement of six cruisers and unmarked vehicles, as well as the need for a new back door at the station.
The Fire Department is currently working to repair the ladder truck at a cost of $80,000. Additionally, the city still owes on its newest fire truck and anticipates the need to replace an ambulance and the fire department pickup truck.
Council members commended both departments for their responsible handling of taxpayer funds.
DON’T MISS A STORY: Click here to sign up for our free weekly email newsletter
Myers provided an estimate, prepared by the Auditor’s office, indicating that the levy would result in an increase of approximately $63 per year in property taxes for a home valued at $100,000 (less than 20 cents a day).
When asked about additional public hearings on the matter by resident Greg White, the committee stated that discussions would continue within the committee.
Following deliberation and public input, the committee decided to task the law director with seeking an external firm to draft ballot language for a five-year, 3.25 mil property tax levy.
Myers emphasized that this levy would distribute the financial burden evenly, rather than eliminating the out-of-town worker’s tax credit.