City officials in Bucyrus are focusing on two main projects this new year: water and streets.
Mayor Bruce Truka said planning for the city’s annual mill and paving event is still underway, but the money for the project is in place.
“We have $700,000 in the budget for that project,” Truka said Tuesday from his office in Bucyrus City Hall.
He said Phase II of the sewer and stormwater separation project will begin in the Monnett Street, Bland Avenue and Franklin Court areas on the city’s north side.
“We then go diagonally to Garnet Court. Columbia Gas has a project in that area this year to build new gas lines, so it makes sense for us to work in that area. We always try to cooperate with the gas company and state projects because it saves us money in the long run,” Truka said.
Bucyrus city officials are working hard to provide water to county residents while also focusing on street repairs, storm and sewer separation projects and other projects in 2025.
Jeff Dunn, street superintendent, said this process makes sense.
“There’s no point in tearing up the streets twice,” Dunn said.
He said it saves the city money and time and makes things easier for residents.
More: Bucyrus plans for 2024 – this is what the city is planning
Truka said a street charge was introduced years ago and should be renewed this year.
“I think we’ll put it on the May ballot. This is not new tax money for our residents. It is simply a renewal levy that everyone already pays, and it is desperately needed to keep the streets in good condition,” says Truka.
Waterline work is underway for provincial areas
He said the city is working with local engineering firm Makeever and Associates on projects that include waterline installations in various parts of the province.
“We are working with the county commissioners to bring city water to county residents,” Truka said. “They have a subsidy that helps with costs.”
He said plans are in the works to run water lines along Nevada Road into Nevada and then turn off at Nevada-Wynford Road north of Countyline Road and then stop at Foxfire Campground.
“Yes, Foxfire gets city water. We also plan to go through Oceola, where Sunset Springs will also be,” Truka said.
He said there is a dire need for city water for a foster home in the Route 4 area, south of Bucyrus.
“Every month, 1,000 liters of water are supplied to fill their reservoir. They desperately need city water,” the mayor said.
He also said there are plans to head north on Route 4 and down Andrews Road.
Bucyrus, Ohio EPA is looking at a new wastewater treatment plant
Truka said the increase in the number of city water customers at this time will not reduce water bills for residents.
“We have to pay $1.6 million every year for the water treatment plant that was built a few years ago,” he said.
He also said the city is working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and an engineering firm, Wessler Corporation, on a new wastewater treatment plant.
“We are working with them to determine whether it is better to renovate the existing factory to put it where it needs to be, or whether it will be more cost-effective to build a new one,” Truka said.
While Truka said he can’t provide details yet, he did say he and other city officials are working with the county’s Economic Partnership to bring new jobs to the city.
“We are working hard behind the scenes to bring some positive and exciting things to our region,” said Truka. “I can’t give any details yet, but stay tuned.”
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Paving, sewer, waterline, wastewater projects coming to Bucyrus
