By Logan Andrew | Editor-in-chief, FreeWire
Bucyrus is at a crossroads. With layoffs, rising utility costs, and an aging population, the city faces challenges that demand creative, forward-thinking solutions from those we choose to represent us. While identifying problems is crucial, offering actionable fixes is just as important. Here, we explore some of the critical issues and potential ways to address them.
The Loss of Manufacturing Jobs
The loss of factory jobs is not exclusive to Bucyrus, the region, or even the state. Promises to bring these jobs back, as Cody Scott (unopposed candidate for the 4th Ward) has emphasized, are easier said than done. Regardless of who holds power locally, statewide, or nationally, the economic landscape has shifted. Automation and globalization have made promises futile to make and impossible to believe. While we must continue efforts to attract businesses, we need to diversify our economic base to prepare for the realities of the modern economy, which to Scott’s credit, he has advocated for.
The Out-of-Town Tax Credit
Bucyrus’s out-of-town tax credit is a unique benefit for residents who work elsewhere, but it’s becoming an unsustainable luxury. Most municipalities have eliminated such credits, using the tax as a revenue stream to balance budgets. It’s understandable to feel that double taxation is unfair for those forced to work out of town, but eliminating the credit could help avoid deeper budget cuts, layoffs, and tax hikes. It’s a hard conversation, but one that Bucyrus must have sooner rather than later. Robert Taylor is one such candidate who benefits from the credit, yet he recognizes the city needs money, and instead of advocating for more levies, he believes we need to eliminate the tax credit.
Pay Raises and Budget Optics
The recent pay raises for city employees, particularly the fire department, highlight a slippery slope. These raises were awarded after arbitration and reflect the increased demands placed on these workers. However, granting raises while laying off employees sends a conflicting message. Council members like Aaron Sharrock have suggested freezing or cutting council pay to help, but their salaries are minimal — amounting to roughly $7 an hour, according to council member Jim Mee, if they work 70 hours a month. City Council president Kurt Fankhauser is also a member who has advocated for pay freezes and/or cuts, but while symbolic gestures have their place, they don’t address systemic budget issues. The bleeding has gone past the point where band-aids will help in any substantive manner.
Encouraging Housing Development
Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues in Bucyrus, as at-large candidate Clarissa Slater has pointed out. The city’s limited housing options make it hard for families and young professionals to settle here. By offering incentives to developers to build affordable housing, Bucyrus can take out two birds: increase its tax base while addressing a critical need. Sweetheart deals for housing developers could jumpstart the creation of new neighborhoods, helping to rejuvenate the city’s economy and attract more residents. Several council members and candidates are landlords themselves and should use that experience to chart a way forward.
Attracting Young Talent
Without a doubt, demographics are the greatest challenge facing our town. An aging population and a lack of opportunities for young people have made it difficult to retain talent. The city once had initiatives to encourage college-bound students to return after graduation, but evidence shows these efforts have largely fallen short. Our lack of motivation or conviction towards a dispensary highlights the disconnect between young citizens and their older council representatives; to their credit, the Council has finally begun to come around and are hosting a town hall on February 11th. To further turn this around, however, Bucyrus must:
Promote Local Colleges: Work with area schools to highlight career opportunities within Bucyrus for graduates.
Attract Youth-Focused Businesses: Encourage businesses that appeal to younger demographics by easing taxes and fees.
Improve Community Offerings: Invest in parks, entertainment options, and cultural activities that appeal to young families and professionals.
Community Engagement
Council members and candidates like Slater have actively sought ideas from residents, demonstrating the importance of collaboration. While some, like Taylor, question the value of problem identification without solutions; in any case, the community’s input is invaluable. Conversations about housing, economic incentives, and demographic shifts must involve residents to ensure any plan reflects their needs and priorities.
Conclusion
Bucyrus faces significant challenges, but with bold leadership and a commitment to innovative solutions, the path forward — while narrow — is there. By addressing housing shortages, revisiting outdated tax policies, and creating an environment that attracts young talent, the city can rebuild its economic foundation. Bucyrus has long been a community of resilience and ingenuity — many remember a time when people traveled from all around to work here. It’s time to harness those qualities in order to shape a brighter future.
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