*Note: This is reader-submitted. Opinions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@crawfordcountynow.com

To the citizens of Bucyrus:

The cost of residential trash service in the City of Bucyrus is controlled primarily by the
Service/Safety Director (SSD). While the City Council has little direct authority over these rates,
the Mayor oversees the SSD position and should be accountable to residents for the direction being
taken.

Residents have likely noticed that residential trash rates continue to rise, while commercial rates
see little to no increase. In addition, concerns regarding additional trash collection charges
remain unresolved. This issue has been raised repeatedly during Service Committee meetings, yet
clear answers from the SSD have been lacking. Residents deserve transparency and straightforward
explanations.

Now the City is proposing the purchase of two new trash trucks at a cost of approximately $1.2
million. During recent meetings, the SSD stated these trucks would ultimately save money. However,
few details have been provided to support that claim. Committee members asked important questions
regarding costs, maintenance, operations, and long-term savings, yet the SSD repeatedly responded
that he either did not have the information available or could not answer the questions at that
time.

How can the City justify spending over a million dollars on equipment without having complete
information prepared for public review?

Another concern is maintenance staffing. At the same time this proposal is being discussed, the
City reportedly has been testing applicants for a mechanic position to maintain this equipment.
Residents should reasonably ask whether the City currently has the personnel and expertise
necessary to properly maintain these trucks.

Questions have also been raised regarding the proposed 96-gallon trash containers. Concerns were expressed about how elderly, disabled, and senior residents would manage containers of that size. The City Auditor suggested that residents with medical issues could have a physician complete paperwork so the City could retrieve and return containers for them. Yet this raises another question: how does creating additional labor and administrative responsibilities reduce costs?

Even more concerning was the statement that the City would “figure it out as we go.” Taxpayers
should expect careful planning before major expenditures are approved — not improvisation after the
fact.

Currently, residential trash service costs approximately $20 per month, while the senior rate is
approximately $14 per month. However, those rates are not guaranteed. The landfill is privately
operated under the oversight of the Crawford County Commissioners, and dumping fees can increase at
any time.

The larger questions remain:
● Does the City of Bucyrus truly need these trucks at this time?
● Has all relevant financial information been presented to the public?
● Will this proposal actually save taxpayers money?
● Why have so many questions gone unanswered?
● Where is the Mayor’s leadership on this issue?

Residents should also remember that water, sewer, and stormwater rates are likewise influenced
through the Service/Safety Department. Many households may soon experience monthly utility
increases ranging from $20 to $40 depending on usage.

Citizens should contact their council members and the Mayor now — before additional increases
appear on future utility bills. Residents have a voice and should use it.

Greg White
1125 Hillcrest Drive
Bucyrus, Ohio 44820