By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
A proposed levy for Bucyrus’ beleaguered police force and fire department gained momentum during Monday evening’s Finance Committee meeting.
With an Aug. 7 deadline looming to file for the levy with the Board of Elections, Bucyrus City Council has only two meetings to decide whether or not to pursue a levy.
City Auditor Joyce Schifer advised the Finance Committee that the proposed levy should be a Safety Forces levy with the proposed $1.3 million generated from the levy going towards salaries and benefits for both departments in order to bring on more staff.
With the police force understaffed the crime rate in Bucyrus has risen Police Chief David Koepke explained to the Finance Committee, “From January through June of 2011 to January through June of 2013 the city has had a 40-percent increase in larceny shoplifting, property crime, and theft.”
Koepke continued, “During this time we have been operating with less personnel than in the past.”
Council President “Sis” Love announced that there are still things to work out,” and the proposed levy will be a topic at the next Finance Committee meeting.
With John Walker abstaining from vote, the Finance Committee approved a plan that would save the Bratwurst Festival some money Monday evening. In an effort to save money for the festival during parades for the festival auxiliary police and volunteer workers will man security posts during parades.
The EMS contract with the Central Joint Ambulance District was approved by a 4-1 vote for three years Monday evening during the Health and Safety Committee meeting.
Prior to the vote it was discussed that the renewal be for just one year with automatic renewals, or for a full three years as have been done in the past.
Committee member Richard Rockwell voted against the contract.
“I feel it should just be a one year contract with automatic renewal,” Rockwell said.
The Liquor Permit for Dillenger’s Entertainment Center was up for discussion as well during the Health and Safety Committee meeting. Koepke and City Law Director Robert Ratliff explained they want to investigate further who the new owners are, and their reasoning behind applying for a D3A Liquor Permit.
Ratliff explained to the Health and Safety Committee, “There are two options at this point: do nothing and let the State Liquor Board decide, or to request a hearing.”
The committee voted to look into a hearing on the matter.
Koepke attended the Public Lands and Buildings Committee meeting Monday evening to give an update on the structural state of the Bucyrus Police Department.
Citing floor, lighting, plumbing and air flow issues Koepke said, “I am trying to get a cooler, nicer and cleaner place for the officers and dispatchers to work in.”
The Public Lands and Buildings Committee voted to allow Koepke to look into repairs.
The renewal of the lease of the North End Fire Station was approved to the Central Joint Ambulance District for three years.
The lease follows resolution 231-2010 which leases the station for $1,500 per month.