BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A legal challenge has stalled the City of Bucyrus’s plan to purchase two automated garbage trucks, as residents push back against what they describe as a lack of transparency and public input regarding the $1.26 million expenditure.
Bucyrus resident Greg White has filed a pro-se taxpayer lawsuit in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court, alleging that the city violated Ohio Revised Code 731.17.
The statute requires municipal legislation to be read on three separate days before it can be enacted.
The dispute centers on Resolution 229-2026, which authorized the no-bid purchase of two McNeilus ZR Automated Side Loader trucks. According to the court filing, the city attempted to pass the measure as “emergency” legislation during meetings on May 19, June 2, and June 16. However, when the motion failed to secure the necessary supermajority vote on June 16, the council immediately voted to adopt the measure as “non-emergency” legislation during the same meeting.
White contends that by switching the designation at the final moment, the council bypassed the mandatory three-reading requirement. He argues that the non-emergency version constituted “materially different” legislation that had not undergone the required vetting process.
The legal action follows mounting frustration among citizens regarding the city’s handling of the purchase, with residents expressing concern that Safety Service Director Tommy Starner and the council moved forward without allowing for meaningful public input.
The case will be overseen by retired Franklin County Judge Dale Crawford, following the voluntary recusal of Crawford County Common Pleas Judge Sean Leuthold.
A hearing regarding a temporary order to halt the purchase is scheduled for Monday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m. in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court. The hearing is open to the public.
Crawford County Now will continue to provide updates on this developing story.