BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—During the Bucyrus City Council meeting Tuesday evening, Bucyrus Police Chief Neil Assenheimer emphasized the importance of doing the right thing by the employees of the Bucyrus Police Department.
The meeting primarily focused on contract negotiations with police officers, dispatchers, and supervisors.
David Garrick from the Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council urged the council to carefully consider the wage proposal put forth by the Bucyrus Police Department. Garrick highlighted the economic disparity within the department and stressed the need to retain young officers by offering competitive wages. “What is the cost to be able to sleep well at night?” Garrick asked.
Captain Tom Walker pointed out that neighboring police departments, such as Marion, offered significantly higher salaries, leading to officers leaving Bucyrus for better pay.
Officers in Marion have a base pay of $18,000 more per year than Bucyrus. Marion is actively recruiting Bucyrus officers, even offering to pay what they owe Bucyrus.
Chief Assenheimer also highlighted the wage difference between Bucyrus and Galion. By 2024, Galion officers will earn $4.00 more per hour than Bucyrus officers, and dispatchers will earn $3.98 more per hour.
“You showed great respect and appreciation for the fire department when you negotiated their contracts. The Bucyrus Police Department expects you to do the same for them.” Assenheimer said.
Officer Noah Graves expressed his love for serving Bucyrus but stated that without a contract, he, along with other officers with young and growing families, would be forced to leave. Several community members voiced their support for the police department, with one resident suggesting the possibility of a police levy in the future.
After a recess into executive session, Council President Jenny Vermillion informed Garrick that the negotiations would need to go back to the administration for further discussion.
Councilman Dan Wirebaugh interjected, stating that the discussion should remain between the administration and the union, not the council, as disclosing information from executive sessions is against the law. The discussions then stopped.
Captain Walker said the Mayor was the one who had instructed them to bring the matter to the council for approval, and then he would sign off on it.
Vermillion assured everyone that the proper procedures would be followed from this point on to move the process forward efficiently.