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I just wanted to take this time to thank the citizens that have communicated with me about the Trash Truck issue and other issues that they are concerned about it. No matter what happens, this is far from over.
Our current Bucyrus City elected & non-elected officials, in my own opinion, just keep spending and borrowing money recklessly. It’s totally getting out of control by our government body. The question to ask yourselves, why? Don’t they understand that ⅓ of the population is working class, ⅓ basically are over 60 years old (on fixed incomes), and the last ⅓ is under 18.
The utility rate hikes are containing to climb upward and probably will increase every year to come. The Safety/Service Director is the sole non-elected official that controls most of this, and doesn’t need council approval on certain rate hikes. This position can raise these at any time that these funds need additional funding.
Some of the major issues that currenting going on and additional issues that are looming over our city in the months and years to come.
• The 1 Million Dollar Water Line mistake that is being applied to your utility bill for water usage.
• The Trash Truck and cart issue, a $2 dollars more per month has been added in the last year. Could this see an additional higher fee in less than the two years that the city has projected?
• South Sandusky Street project, $7.5 million dollars that the city is borrowing more money for this project. Remember it was $5 million dollars, once again, another mistake in the cost of the project.
• Will the Wastewater Treatment Plant estimate cost could raise to between $80-100 Million Dollars and not the $56 Million a couple years ago.
• Police Department Vehicles need to be replaced, the aging broken down fleet and there is no money in the budget in 2025 and 2026 for this. The money has to come from someplace.
• The Fire Department claims it needs, $400,000 for a new medic unit and over $1.32 million for a Fire Truck, and let’s not forget a Ladder Truck costing over $2.5 million dollars. How does the city expect to find the funds for these vehicles.
• The Neff Reservoir could cost the city over $1 Million Dollars to fix the issues with that property.
• Now the Pool and Park Levy that you are going to be voting on in November 2026. This income tax levy is only going to affect the working class citizens, including the out-of-town workers especially. Some citizens who don’t pay income tax, still get to vote
on this measure. Do you believe that this is fair?
• Another point, do you believe that the city is going to take the out-of-town tax credit? Based on my calculations and my own personal opinion, “YES”. The city is going to take either way if the Pool/Park Levy passes or not.
• Contracts with the unions are coming up at the end of this year. Are they going to negotiate for more money and benefits?
That money has to come from the general and other funds within thenbudget line items.
• The city is also going to need funds for the buy outs of retiring Police and Firefighters. The current property tax for both of these funds are approximately $90,000 per year. Basically, that will only cover one person. What happens if several senior members
submit their paperwork in the same year. This can only come from the general fund only.
We, the citizens of this community, are going to be facing all of these issues very soon. How are the people that represent you going to respond? Are they going to find alternative ways or just say that we have to do this. If you believe this, I will find a way to sell you Neff Reservoir for a million dollars.
I also find it very weird that these officials can’t bring true facts to the table,
or even put them on documents-on-Demand for the public to view before meetings. What about truth and transparency to the citizens of this Community.
If you believe that this misrepresentation needs to stop, then maybe we (everyone) should do the same thing like the Bucyrus Firefighters Union did in council chambers. A “NO” Confidence Vote on these elected and non-elected officials, walk up, State NO, then stand in unison in front of the council railing. Until more of you show up and tell them how do you feel, ask important questions. The City is going to continue this progression with taxpayers’ money.
This is your choice to make, but don’t be afraid to stand at the podium for three minutes. As a citizen, (the 1st Amendment) enables you the freedom of free speech and to redress for your government. Biggest plus, you don’t have to give your name or address at all. The Council rules for the public participation are illegal and have no legal authority in a public meeting. Just remember, don’t use any fighting words. That will get you escorted out of the meeting.
Thank you for the privilege of your time. Remember, that you and many others can help make positive changes in our community.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg White
1125 Hillcrest Drive
Bucyrus, Ohio 44820