BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The City of Bucyrus is facing scrutiny from the Ohio Auditor’s Office over allegations of improper campaign practices linked to efforts to renew a street levy on the May ballot.
In a recent letter, the Auditor of State (AOS) indicated that Bucyrus may have engaged in activities that violate Ohio law while promoting the passage of the street levy, set for the primary election on May 6, 2025. Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding the Bucyrus Safety Services Director, who reportedly registered as the treasurer of the Bucyrus Street Renewal Levy 2025 Committee. The committee’s purpose is to influence the election’s outcome, and it has been alleged that the Safety Services Director used the City Hall mailing address and his official email for campaign correspondence.
Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) 9.03 prohibits political subdivisions from using public funds to influence election outcomes. The Auditor’s letter emphasizes the importance of complying with these legal provisions, warning that if the allegations are substantiated, all campaign practices must cease immediately.
Although the Auditor has not confirmed the allegations, the office has stated that the matter will be addressed in the next regular audit.
Council President Kurt Fankhouser response
Mayor Truka, along with other city officials, was contacted regarding the situation. Responses have been limited, but Councilwoman Vicki Dishon indicated that she would defer further questions to Law Director Brandon Gobrecht. Gobrecht has communicated off the record, promising to issue a formal statement while asserting that measures are being taken to resolve the issue.
Newly appointed council member Clarissa Slater expressed her frustrations, alleging that the Auditor’s letter stems from internal sabotage and personal animosity rather than valid concerns. She criticized the situation as a misuse of government resources.
Crawford County Now also acquired a copy of the Designation of Treasurer Form completed by the Safety Services Director, which included both his city and personal email addresses as well as his home address.
Should Bucyrus be found in violation of the law, potential consequences could include financial penalties, civil liabilities for city officials, loss of public trust, and even criminal charges against individuals involved. Additionally, the Auditor may impose stricter oversight and recommend training to ensure compliance with election laws.
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Crawford County Now will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.