BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—During the Bucyrus City Council committee meetings, Tim Wood from the Waste Water Treatment Plant addressed the urgency of preparing to pay for the new waste water treatment plant. The initial estimated cost of the plant was $62,000,000.00, but after a recommended study, the cost was reduced to $59,000,000.00.
To cover the cost, legislation will be drafted to increase sewer rates starting in March.
Kevin Myers informed the committee that the planned increases over the next three years will be 15% in year one, 14% in year two, and 13% in year three, with the actual increase amount depending on individual usage. The city will also seek assistance and grants to fund the project.
The administration is also addressing the projected effects of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th. The previous administration did not make plans to handle the potential influx of visitors, which could more than double the city’s population.
Mayor Bruce Truka and his administration is meeting with the emergency management team to discuss the event. Other communities have already started planning for this, and the Crawford County Fairgrounds is offering camp sites for the event. Councilwoman Aaron Sharrock mentioned that it may be too late to acquire vendors, as the first festival in Ohio is on April 30th and vendors may have already committed to other towns.
The Public Land and Buildings committee established the Bucyrus Trails Commission, which will be led by Bucyrus resident Ray Thitoff. Mayor Truka commended Thitoff for his dedication to utilizing the former Pines Reservoir by creating walking trails.
During the meeting, Bucyrus resident Greg White challenged the proposed repeat offenders maintenance code, questioning the validity of Law Director Gernert’s proposal to punish repeat offenders. White pointed out that according to the Ohio Revised Code 102.10, it is the tenant, not the property owner, who is responsible for property maintenance. He expressed concern that this ordinance could lead to lawsuits against the city and requested a public forum to discuss the issue.
The financial issues facing the city continue to be a topic of debate as the council seeks solutions.