By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter

BUCYRUS — Landlords across the city may have to register their rental properties in the near future.

A change to rental property requirements is being considered by the Bucyrus City Council’s Health and Safety Committee. The issue was put on hold until the committee’s next meeting to allow members to review the proposal created by city law director Rob Ratliff.

“There are people in our community that are desperate for a place to live and they can get taken advantage of,” Ratliff said.

Ratliff noted that many people residing in rundown properties are afraid to report it to officials for fear of being evicted.

“Registration will require periodic inspections of rental properties to ensure they are kept up to meet the community standards and adhere to them,” Ratliff said.

Traffic map changes required by the state are also being considered by the Health and Safety Committee and chair Kevin Myers gave council an update on the two bids received on Thursday by the Central Joint Ambulance District for ambulance service in the city.

The only two bids submitted were from the district’s current provider, Life Support Team, Inc., and Portsmouth Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. While Portsmouth Emergency Ambulance Service’s bid came with a $673,800 subsidy, Life Support Team’s bid was much higher at a little more than $11 million for the three-year contract period.

Myers said that the city will find out more details at a meeting set for July 2 by the district but the city’s share may be around $91,000 each year of the three-year contract. He also said that Portsmouth Ambulance Service is a family-owned business that operates ambulance services in many communities throughout the state and has a good reputation.

The Public Lands and Building Committee heard from a representative of Practical Inspections regarding maintenance of the city’s two water towers. It was the second presentation in the past month as the committee considers various companies to contract with to ensure the water towers are kept in excellent condition.

A meeting regarding water rates for residents residing outside of the city limits, along with tap-in fees, will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, June 25, at Bucyrus City Hall by the Service Committee. The public is invited to attend.