6 min read
Jan 23, 2025
By Logan Andrew | Editor-in-chief, FreeWire
Mayor announces decision to shut down controversial cameras; citizens demand transparency and fiscal accountability.
The Bucyrus City Council meeting Tuesday night unfolded amidst tensions surrounding Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman’s absence, serious allegations of financial misconduct, and a heated debate over the mayor’s decision to remove controversial cameras donated by Wavelinc. Law Director Brandon Gobrecht’s call for fairness was met with skepticism from both the public and council, while Robert Taylor used the meeting as a platform to announce his candidacy for an at-large council seat with a fiery critique of city leadership. Meanwhile, public voices like Melanie Ellis and her son Cody highlighted the broader frustrations of Bucyrus citizens grappling with transparency and fiscal concerns.
Gobrecht’s Plea Draws Mixed Reactions
As allegations of financial mismanagement swirl around Shireman, Law Director Brandon Gobrecht emphasized the importance of reserving judgment. Addressing concerns about the investigation into Shireman’s actions as a caretaker for a developmentall disabled individual, he implored the member to respect the presumption of innocence and let the process unfold. Shireman faces an F2 theft charge for allegedly misusing funds for personal expenses, further fueling public scrutiny.
While Gobrecht sought to stabilize the room with his comments, his remarks failed to gain traction with either the council or the public. Council members did not even move to excuse Shireman’s absence, a symbolic gesture that reflected growing impatience with her situation. Many attendees voiced dissatisfaction with Gobrecht’s approach, perceiving it as disconnected from public sentiment. Gobrecht later clarified that his remarks were only "in the name of Justice" and do not necessarily reflect his personal opinion on the matter.
The Law Director’s report can be found here…
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Taylor’s Campaign Debut
Robert Taylor made his first public appearance Tuesday since announcing his candidacy for an at-large council seat on Monday. In a fiery address, Taylor positioned himself as a champion of fiscal responsibility and transparency, delivering a critique of the council’s decision-making.
Taylor opened his comments by asking, "Does anyone here feel unsafe?" He followed up with questions about the city’s budget priorities, calling attention to overtime costs for an officer providing security at the meeting. Taylor described these expenditures as unnecessary, arguing that the city could save money by removing the gun-free zone rather than incurring security costs, framing his argument around a “good guy with a gun” perspective.
You can watch Taylor’s speech here…
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He also took aim at the fire department, accusing them of "padding stats" by dispatching both an ambulance and a fire truck to every call to strengthen their union negotiation positions. While Taylor acknowledged the value of fair pay for officers and firefighters, he argued that recent raises were unjustified given the city’s financial struggles. He further proposed eliminating the out-of-town tax credit, asserting that the funds could be redirected to manage union demands. Unlike many proponents of eliminating the tax credit, Taylor works out of town himself and benefits from the credit.
Mayor Decides to Remove Controversial Cameras
In his report, Mayor Bruce Truka announced the administration’s decision to remove the controversial cameras donated by Wavelinc, following ongoing public distrust and scrutiny over their use. The cameras, located in Aumiller Park and Schines Art Park, had sparked heated debates, particularly regarding the level of access Wavelinc’s owner, Kurt Fankhauser, retained over the system.
Attempts at compromise had included livestreaming camera footage, relocating servers, and making feeds publicly viewable in the mayor’s office, but none of these efforts alleviated public concerns. “The administration has made the following decision to immediately shut down the cameras until further notice,” Truka said, emphasizing that the decision was made after considering the public’s input and the city’s financial constraints.
The implications of this decision remain to be seen. While some residents view it as a step toward addressing privacy concerns, others argue it could compromise public safety by eliminating a tool for monitoring high-traffic areas. The administration also announced plans to reevaluate its Internet service provider, signaling a broader effort to sever ties with Wavelinc entirely.
You can hear the mayor give his report here…
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Voices of Frustration: Melanie and Cody Ellis
Melanie Ellis, a longtime Bucyrus resident, delivered a pointed critique of the council’s lack of action on economic development and fiscal management. “What have you done to increase tax revenue? Have you brought in new businesses? Have you retained young adults who graduate, go off to college, and don’t want to step foot back in this small town?” she asked. Ellis noted that previous ideas, such as increasing sewer rates for businesses like Timken, had not been acted upon despite being raised multiple times. “They should be paying four to five times more than citizens,” she said.
Ellis also addressed transparency issues, urging better communication about levies and the need for more town halls. “Most people probably didn’t even know [the levy] was a thing until it was on the ballot,” she said. She warned that unless the council demonstrated unity and transparency, citizens would continue to oppose levies. She also criticized the $4.25/hour raises approved for city employees, calling them inappropriate during a budget deficit.
Melanie’s remarks can be watched here:
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Cody Ellis, Melanie’s son and a local business owner, echoed his mother’s sentiments, particularly opposing the elimination of the out-of-town tax credit. In a letter read to the council, Cody argued that it was hypocritical to tax citizens working outside the city while sparing corporations like Timken. He warned that removing the credit would force him to move his anesthesia business out of Bucyrus.
The Ellises’ comments reflected broader frustrations among citizens demanding accountability, transparency, and action from city leadership.
Broader Implications
The sharp exchanges during the council meeting highlight deeper frustrations among Bucyrus residents. Citizens are demanding not only fiscal accountability but also greater efforts to improve the local economy and retain young talent. Taylor’s confrontational style has drawn both praise and criticism, while voices like Melanie and Cody Ellis articulate widespread discontent.
The meeting underscored a lack of trust in city leadership, with several residents pointing to perceived infighting and lack of progress. A sentiment which most attendees, both in person and otherwise, agree is if council members don’t start working together, we’ll never move forward as a community.
What’s Next?
With Shireman’s future uncertain and Gobrecht’s attempts to temper public frustration falling flat, Tuesday’s meeting illustrated the challenges facing Bucyrus leadership. Taylor’s aggressive approach has set the stage for a contentious election season, and citizens will soon decide whether they prefer his hardline stance, voices like Melanie Ellis’ call for accountability, or a more tempered leadership approach.
As Bucyrus navigates its financial challenges, these discussions will shape the city’s future and reflect broader debates on leadership, transparency, and accountability.
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About the Author
Logan Andrew is the founder and editor of FreeWire, a Northwest Ohio-based digital media company dedicated to providing straightforward, fact-based reporting on local issues. With a focus on transparency and accountability, Logan works to amplify community voices while holding public officials to their word.
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