BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus City Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening.
Bucyrus City Auditor Kali Lewis reported that city income tax collections were down for January by 11% compared to last year. That equates to $73,063.47 in decreased revenue. Lewis told the council this will affect the general fund as well as the safety forces fund.
After its third reading, the council voted to grant the much-discussed pay raise for the council clerk, Miranda Wise. She was granted a $5.25 per hour raise retroactive to January 1, 2025. Councilwoman Vick Dishon was the only dissenting voice.
Council President Kurt Fankhauser asked Finance Chairman Kevin Myers when the water fund shortage will next be addressed. Fankhauser expressed concern because a major water leak has been discovered under the railroad tracks on Hopley Ave. Fankhauser said the city doesn’t have the money to fix the leak and may have to take out a loan for the repairs. Myers said the water fund shortage will be discussed during Thursday’s Finance Meeting.
During discussions of old business, Councilman Chris Mauritz made a motion to accept the donation of the old YMCA building from Mayor Truka. Councilman James Mee seconded the motion, which opened the topic for discussion.
Councilwoman C. Aaron Sharrock has never supported acquiring the building. She questioned the wisdom of taking it on when the city is strapped financially. She told the council that despite many requests for figures on the cost to the city to maintain the building, she’s gotten no information from the administration.
Councilman Kevin Myers was adamant that the city should not accept a building without a plan that outlines its intended use. He suggested the mayor put a “for sale” sign on the property and donate the proceeds to the city.
Council President Kurt Fankhauser passed the gavel so he could add to the discussion. He encouraged the council to accept the property so the city can apply for grants to either develop it, demolish it, or even sell it.
Councilman James Mee supports accepting the donation, saying the real estate has value and there’s no cost involved. “How do you turn down a gift? I’ve never lost money on property,” Mee said.
Law Director Brandon Gobrecht reminded the council that Fire Chief Chad Schwemley would like to acquire the property because it’s located right next to the fire department. Schwemley has indicated that the fire department likes the location of the firehouse. Even though it’s more than a hundred years old, it’s been well maintained. It’s also a convenient location from which to respond. The property would also provide space for expansion in the future.
During public participation, Bucyrus city council candidates Ray Thitoff and Robert Taylor expressed their opinions against accepting the donation.
Thitoff told the council the costs of insurance, electric, water, heat, and taxes (without a clear plan) are not acceptable.
Robert Taylor told the council the solution for a crowded building is to cut staffing.
The motion failed. Councilwoman C. Aaron Sharrock asked the law director how the council can permanently decline the gift.
Gobrecht told the council that as long as the motion is made correctly, it can keep coming back before the council.
Crawford County Now has reached out to Mayor Truka asking for the costs to maintain the building. No response has been received.
In other business, the council accepted the nomination of Adam Frizzell to the Adhoc Committee for Property Maintenance. The committee is chaired by Councilman James Mee. The opening came after the resignation of member Greg White. White withdrew last Thursday after a new member was appointed to the committee. White, a 30 ½ year veteran, told the council (in part):
“I can no longer serve on this Adhoc Committee with a new member who viciously accused me of being involved in a drug trafficking ring and that the appearance of my current weight loss is due to being on illicit substances based on their personal and work experience and not a medical professional. I served my country for 30 ½ years, I am a veteran, a current volunteer firefighter, and a member of this community. My military medical issues are not anyone’s concern but my family, closest friends, and the VA,” White said.
Bucyrus City Council Committee meetings will take place on Thursday at 6 pm in the council chambers.