BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus City Council convened on Tuesday evening in the Council Chambers, where a motion was brought forward regarding the previously contested donation of the former YMCA building. Councilman Chris Mauritz proposed the motion, which was seconded by Councilman James Mee.
The vote resulted in a tie due to the absence of Councilwoman Vicki Dishon, with Mauritz, Mee, and Councilwoman Clarissa Slater voting in favor of accepting the donation, while Councilmen Aaron Sharrock, Zyan Hickman, and Kevin Myers opposed it. According to council rules, the deciding vote in the event of a tie falls to the Council President. Longtime supporter of the donation, President Fankhauser, cast his vote in favor, ultimately approving the motion.
The vote came as a surprise when Councilwoman Slater changed her stance, having previously opposed the donation in meetings last August and October. Slater, who was appointed to her position after Carolyn Shireman’s resignation, will serve until the current council term concludes. She was defeated in her bid for re-election.
In other council business, Slater expressed her desire to be appointed as Chair of the Economic Development Committee, highlighting her positive relationship with the local Partnership. The assignment of this position is at the discretion of the Council President.
The meeting also marked Councilman Hickman’s final night on the council, as he is relocating from the third ward. Fankhauser, Slater, and Myers took a moment to personally thank Hickman for his contributions, wishing him well in his future endeavors.
Residents of the third ward interested in filling the vacant council seat are encouraged to contact the Republican Central Committee to apply.