BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Bucyrus residents gathered to express their apprehensions regarding the prolonged absence of Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman and the financial implications of Law Director Brian Gernert’s absence. The community’s concerns were brought to light during Tuesday’s regular council meeting, where resident Greg White addressed the council about their obligations to uphold their sworn duties.
White emphasized the importance of council members fulfilling their responsibilities to the community, highlighting the impact of missed meetings on city operations. He urged council members to honor their oath of office and prioritize their duties as elected officials. White also raised concerns about the scheduling of meetings, suggesting that citizens were being deprived of their right to participate in government proceedings because meetings are often rescheduled while citizens are still at work.
Furthermore, White criticized the council for receiving payment despite their absences, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and detrimental to the community. He called on council members to either fulfill their duties or step down to allow others to take on the responsibilities of office for the betterment of Bucyrus.
Another resident, Ken Long, also addressed the council regarding Law Director Gernert’s absence and questioned the process for potentially removing him from his position. Long told the council that had this happened to any lower-ranking city employee, they would have lost their job long ago.
Council President Kurt Fankhauser explained the legal procedures for addressing Gernert’s absence, noting that the Mayor holds the authority to pursue charges and that the council can demand Gernert’s appearance to clarify the situation. Interim Law Director Gobrecht reminded the council of Gernert’s presumption of innocence under the law.
Long highlighted the financial burden of Gernert’s absence on the city, particularly with the continued payment of his salary, along with the interim law director ($100.00 per hour) and the county prosecutor’s office ($100.00 per day). Fankhauser disclosed that Gernert’s absence is costing the city approximately $10,000 per month.
In response to these concerns, the council entered into an executive session to deliberate on the matters surrounding Gernert’s absence and the potential sale or purchase of the former YMCA building.