BUCYRUS—Bucyrus held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in council chambers.
With a potential 50% reduction on the out-of-town worker’s credit on the line, council passed a motion to suspend the rules, waive the reading of the legislation and declare an emergency. That motion passed with only one opposition from Councilman Steve Young.
When the emergency legislation went to council’s roll call vote, it failed. Council members that stopped the passage were Brenton Potter, Aaron Sharrock, and Steve Young.
To enforce the legislation council needed a two-thirds majority or at least five votes in favor of the legislation. According to Interim Law Director Brian Gernert, the legislation can be reintroduced if council chooses or could be considered as non-emergency legislation, which would then require a simple majority to pass.
In other business, Council President Jenny Vermillion asked the council to observe a moment of silence in reverence to the passing of three city servants who recently passed away. The council honored former Dog Warden Earl Kleinhoffer, The Honorable Nelfred Kimmerline, Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge, and longtime Councilwoman Norma Hill.
Interim Law Director Brian Gernert told the council that he would have levy legislation prepared to put a 1/4% increase in taxes on the ballot ready in January.
Gernert also praised the city tax department for their efforts to collect taxes owed to the city by individuals and businesses. Gernert told the council the tax department operates with significant knowledge of the tax code. He said they also know the business atmosphere in a way an outside organization such as RITA could provide. The ability to gain information promptly is vital to collection efforts, another good reason to keep the tax department. The tax department has collected $259,748 in owed taxes through the attachment of state income returns. New laws will allow tax collection from state and federal refunds. Gernert also suggested investigating the possibility of inputting tax bills based on the city’s average mean income. That billing would incentivize taxpayers to file a return, so they are paying the correct amount in taxes to the town.
On a personal note, Gernert took a moment to thank retiring Bucyrus City Auditor Joyce Schiefer for all she has done and the countless hours she has devoted to the city. Gernert said in his time here, “ I have spent countless hours picking her brain on city operations, tapping into her immense knowledge of all that goes on in this place. You’ve helped me both personally and professionally in innumerable ways. As you embark upon your much-deserved retirement and future chapters of your life, God bless you, and I wish you happiness and good fortune. You will truly be missed.”
Several council members replied “Amen” to Gernert’s remarks.
In other business, the council approved a year-round DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) effective immediately.
Bucyrus faces what Mayor Jeff Reser labeled a “ transition year” as the city navigates some rough financial waters. Measures are in place to create additional revenue in the long term.
All committee meetings usually scheduled for Thursday were canceled.