BUCYRUS–Less than two weeks after Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser vetoed legislation that would mandate staffing at the fire department, Bucyrus City Council voted to override the veto and implement minimum staffing at the Fire Department.
Reser and safety forces have been at odds since the Mayor decided to reduce staffing at the Fire Department to save money on overtime.
The Council meeting opened to a chamber full of citizens and safety forces. Many members of the public spoke in support of the override.
Greg White of Bucyrus told Council his opinion: “I hope the Council is ready tonight to veto the ridiculous acts he is taking. It’s time to end this crazy, bizarre attitude by our Mayor,” White said.
Zion Hickman told the Council their previous decision to vote no on giving police a $1.50 per hour raise was a slap in the face.
“A splash pad in a non-operating pool is more important than our safety forces. I quote the Mayor who said, “the splash pad is in the best interest of the children of the city.” The splash pad is not in the best interest of the children but in the best interest of the Mayor and his image,” Hickman said.
Michael France told the Council he is a man of few words. He came to show his support for the fire department.
Kurt Fankhauser told Council that it’s appalling that in the last four years, Council has had to override two of Mayor Reser’s vetoes: “The last overriding of a veto was on an application for a grant to run the fire department,” Fankhauser said.
Fankhauser said he supports the override of Reser’s veto telling the Council they should add staff to the fire department to alleviate overtime costs.
Councilman Kevin Myers motioned to override the veto with a second by Brenton Potter.
Councilman Terry Spiegel was the only dissenting vote.
According to Interim Law Director Brian Gernert, the change in staffing is effective immediately. He told the Council that the administration does have options. “The administration’s response is not clear at this time,” Gernert said.
Safety Service Director Jeff Wagner told the Council that the city’s compost site is now open seven days a week from 8 am to 2 pm.
A public hearing is to be scheduled to discuss legislation regarding storage containers within the city limits.
Council committee meetings will be held on Thursday at 6 pm in the council chambers.