BUCYRUS—Tensions between the Administration and the Fire Department remain, but both parties indicated they would return to the table to talk. A labor/ management meeting is set for Friday.
The community spoke in support of the firefighters at Tuesday’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
On Monday, despite an emergency ordinance passed by the city council last week to ensure adequate fire department staffing, Reser reduced the fire department staff from 6 to 4.
While fewer people attended Tuesday’s meeting, the theme was the same. Bucyrus residents want the fire department staff maintained at safe levels.
Jack Baldy and his wife Vicky addressed the council; ‘What’s going on is stupid. We need some common sense regarding firefighters and police. Someone’s got their priorities screwed up as far as parks, trees, and whatever all the stuff is. The priority should be our city safety service people. They’re a bunch of nice guys, and I’d back them anytime.” Jack Baldy said.
Vicky Baldy echoed her husband’s sentiments but especially to Mayor Reser directly; “You better think about this, we need our fireman. We need the police. Without them we are in big trouble. What if one of your families has a fire or a heart attack and these four guys are all tied up and can’t get to you? What are you going to do? How are you going to feel if one of your family members die? I know how I’m going to feel.” Mrs. Baldy shared a bad experience she and her husband had before the fire department took over EMS services. She feared losing her husband during that incident.
“You all better think twice about keeping this fire department because they are the best and the EMTs are the best. They’re going to keep us and some of you alive too.” Mrs. Baldy said.
Jeremy Gilliam, President of the Bucyrus IAFF Local 1120, told the council they should have never taken on the EMS if they couldn’t afford the appropriate staffing.
Referring to the $446,000 in ARPA funds the city has available, Gilliam told the council:
“In the Mayor’s statement, he asked, “Should we use the last amount of money for overtime?” The answer from the fire department and those that stood in support in these chambers last week was clear: Yes, those funds should be used to support overtime because the safety of the public and the city should be priority number one.” Gilliam said.
Gillam told the council they had acted within their means and that a labor-management meeting should’ve happened a month ago. He urged the council to proceed with the legislation passed, knowing it would be vetoed and expecting the scare tactics already experienced this week.
Alena Fox, an emergency planning professional, told the council that a fire department staff of four is just not enough. She feels scared.
“Honor the responsibility you have charged these men and women with, and honor them by enabling them to maintain a proper amount of staff. Find a way to do it.” Fox said.
Michael Zabala told the council that an income tax levy is reactive when the council needs to be proactive. “It’s like a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage. What happens in 10 years when wages rise, but the population declines here an additional 5%? Bucyrus may be losing its population but property cannot leave. As property values increase there will be matching funds for an increase in wages and appropriate staffing. This proposed property tax removes the temptation to use essential services as a political football when a politician throws a temper tantrum weaponizing the safety forces.
I don’t know what else to say. I don’t think using an income tax is the proper method for Bucyrus.” Zabala said.
Council Clerk Susan Zolovick read a letter from The Management of Ohio Polytech thanking the police and the Mayor for a quick response to a recent crime of vandalism and theft.
Danny Burns, Site Manager for Polytech, wrote: “I fully support the increases these officers deserve. I fully support any tax levies that are needed to correct the situation. As a citizen, I’m happy to create a larger tax base by creating opportunities. I sincerely wish everyone in the city government could work together, stop finger-pointing or set aside personal issues, and display the true professionalism I know most of our city staff and leaders have.
Mr. Reser, I want to thank you. You have always been a pivotal participant in my company’s struggles and recovery. My out-of-state owners respect and appreciate your services, and we hope that once you depart office, the next administration will be as open and helpful as you have been.” Burns said.
Interim Law Director Brian Gernert told the council that their minimum staffing order faces significant legal challenges. He told the council that the Friday meeting would be beneficial.
He said that he believed all discussions would be done in good faith by both sides.
Crawford County Now will continue to cover this developing news story.