Council hears from citizen on proposed waste rate increase

By Jordan Studer
CCN Reporter

BUCYRUS — What was mapped out to be a meeting filled with discussion turned into a short approval of appropriations and fund movements for the Bucyrus City Council Joint Regular Committee Meeting on Thursday evening.

Due to the absence of a number of council members, a majority vote could not be taken for matters on the agenda with high importance, therefore, the only committee that was able to have part of its meeting was the finance committee.

The discussion of the ORDC grant administration for an arch as well as the proposed increase in solid waste rates within the finance committee were tabled until the next meeting.  The only items discussed and approved upon were for the creation of fund category and object, various appropriations, fund reductions and transfer of funds.

The public participation for the evening included community member Bill Stuckert voicing his concern to council regarding the proposed trash rate increases discussed at a previous meeting. The proposed rate increase for solid waste rates for the city was for 85 cents per month for regular customers and 35 cents per month for seniors.

Stuckert explained to council his worry that the rate increase is unfair for seniors as they have enough financially and mentally to worry about without the proposed increase in rates. He said most seniors only put out half the trash that is allowed to be put out, yet they will be charged with the increase. Stuckert proposed that seniors are exempt from the proposed financial increase.

“The proposed increases I feel are not fair for seniors,” Stuckert said. “Seniors have a very tough time with the economic burdens, both financially and mentally. I would hope that you would all consider this in deciding on these increases. I think that the seniors should get an exception from these increases.”

The council thanked Stuckert for addressing them, yet they were not able to have a discussion or make any decisions as a council due to the number of council members absent. The items tabled for the evening from the finance committee as well as the entire agendas for the public lands & buildings committee and the service committee, were postponed until the next meeting set for Aug. 21 at 6:45 p.m.