BUCYRUS — In 2018, the criminal activity in Bucyrus decreased in most areas, according to the annual report given by Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke during the Bucyrus City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

The department responded to 9,523 calls for service in 2018, a reduction from the 11,000 calls the department responded to in 2017. The largest decrease was an 88-percent reduction in income tax complaints which accounts for the reduction in misdemeanor arrests, down from 1,366 in 2017 to 801 last year. Traffic arrests were at 365 in 2018, down from 464 in 2017 while felony charges increased from 114 felony arrests in 2017 to 158 in 2018. The felony arrests include domestic violence and forgery.

Koepke said the department relies on the assistance of loyal volunteers in the Police Auxiliary, the Police Explorers program, Neighborhood Watch and Operation Hope.

“People slowly but surely have come to the police department for help with rehabilitation from addiction,” Koepke said. “In 2018, an average of about two people per month came for help. We were able to help 17 for the year. In the last month, we have helped 12 people so 2019 is off to a strong start.”

In other business, council passed 10 pieces of legislation, several of which deal with farmland that is owned by the city and rented out to local farmers.

During his report, city law director Rob Ratliff encouraged people with suspended driver’s licenses to check out the new Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Program through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

“A driver’s license is extremely important for people to be able to be successful in their lives and provide for their families,” Ratliff said.

He said that if people need more information or help with navigating through the paperwork involved, his office may assist them.

Mayor Jeff Reser said the water garage on Marion Road has been sold.

“We had one bid and it was acceptable. We welcome Parr Public Safety Equipment to our Bucyrus business community,” Reser said.

With the Mary Street property also recently being sold to Hensley Auto, Reser said the remodeling of the former Ohio Department of Transportation property on West Irving Street that the city took over can get underway.

The next council meeting is Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at Bucyrus City Hall.