By James Massara
CCN News Director
BUCYRUS — A general manager with Northern Ohio Rural Water, based in Norwalk, met with the Crawford County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to inform the commissioners of reports that officials for Liberty Township were seeking outside legal counsel to combat the city of Bucyrus having sole rights to water service in parts of the county.
Northern Rural Water General Manager Shawn Tappel said he received a phone call from a representative of Liberty Township who confirmed the township contacted the Ohio Township Association, which placed Liberty in contact with legal counsel.
Tappel told the commissioners he is not sure who the target of the legal counsel is.
In previous action, the City of Bucyrus passed a resolution that will allow Bucyrus Law Director Rob Ratliff to enter into a representation agreement with the Crawford County Sewer District for the assignment of its legal rights..
Additional information on the city accepting the rights may be found here.
Tappel said he recommended the Northern Rural Water board that the company should pull out of Crawford County after the transaction of water service rights to Bucyrus, since the impression was given that their services were not desired.
Tappel did say, however, that he does not believe the transaction legally will stand.
He added that Northern Rural Water opened a quote for a project in Crawford County, but did not accept it due to it being well above the company engineer’s estimate. He said restarting the bidding process would take time and delay the start to any project.
The complete audio of the meeting may be found below.
Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall said he wanted the public to know that no entity has been given the rights by the county to take control of the existing waterlines in Liberty Township, at this time.
He said over the six- to seven-year process, Northern Rural Water also was approached about the possibility, but did not have interest in the venture at the time.
Crall said the county will continue to explore its options.
“The county wants to get out of the water business,” Crall said. “It’s been decided that the county isn’t suited for it.”