Bucyrus Council approves purchase of automated garbage trucks following lengthy public discussion

BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—After hearing concerns from residents during Tuesday night’s regular meeting, Bucyrus City Council voted to move forward with the purchase of two automated garbage trucks at a cost not to exceed $1,264,667.44.

The proposed purchase generated significant public comment as residents questioned the cost of the vehicles, their ability to navigate narrow city streets and alleys, and the potential for damage to low-hanging utility lines.

Several citizens addressed council regarding concerns that the automated trucks could strike power lines while servicing routes. One resident spoke emotionally about the potential impact of power outages, noting that his special-needs child relies on regulated electrical service.

Councilman James Mee and Council President Kevin Myers responded to the concerns, assuring residents that the new trucks would not create the issues being discussed.

According to city officials, the automated collection vehicles are actually smaller than current trucks and are designed to operate safely within the city’s existing collection system.

“The height of the can will not exceed the height of the truck,” Myers said during the discussion.

Mee also asked city officials to verify whether the truck purchase would result in increased utility costs for residents. Administration officials confirmed that the acquisition would not cause an increase in water rates.

Following public comment and council discussion, members voted on the purchase. The vote resulted in a 3-3 tie, with Council members James Mee, Chris Mauritz, and Terry Spiegel voting in favor of the purchase. Council members Allison LeClair, Cody Scott, and Ray Thitoff voted against the measure.

Under council rules, the tie vote was broken by Council President Kevin Myers, who voted in favor of the purchase, allowing the measure to pass.

With Myers’ deciding vote, the city will move forward with purchasing the two automated garbage trucks.

City officials said details regarding collection routes and how the new vehicles will be integrated into the sanitation system will be determined by the administration at a later date.

The truck purchase has been the subject of considerable public discussion in recent weeks as residents have sought additional information regarding costs, operational changes, and the long-term impact on the city’s sanitation services.