Bucyrus City Council planning solid waste rate increases for residents

By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter

BUCYRUS―Although legislation was approved to be presented to the entire Bucyrus City Council at their meeting on Monday, a proposal to raise solid waste rates for city residents is on hold once again.

During the council’s service committee meeting, rate increases of 85 cents per month for regular customers and 35 cents per month for seniors was approved to be presented to council for a vote but the tally of the total per month for solid waste was incorrect in the paperwork from the city auditor’s office.

According to Auditor Joyce Schifer, residents currently pay $15.15 per month for solid waste and seniors pay $9.65. The rate increase will have seniors paying $10 per month to have their trash picked up while all other residents will pay $16 per month.

The issue will be considered again for legislation at the next service committee meeting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 9.

Also during the special service committee meeting Wednesday evening, the county sewer district was discussed.

Although the city made the initial move to take over the sewer district several months ago, the city administration wants more information before taking the plunge.

“The county wanted us to take it over right away but we want to make sure we have the money and the manpower to handle it,” said Mayor Jeff Reser.

City Law Director Rob Ratliff said city officials met with one of the three county commissioners and Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall last week.

“We have a verbal agreement to monitor the expenses and manpower needed for the district over the next few months before making a decision,” said Ratliff.

The regular city council meeting will be held in a special session at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 6, to allow council members to participate in National Night Out events on Tuesday.

The joint council committee meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 9 in Council Chambers at Bucyrus City Hall. Discussions will include water line expansion and solid waste rate increases for city residents. The public is invited to attend.