City officials in Bucyrus are focused on two main projects in the new year − water and streets.
Mayor Bruce Truka said the schedule is still being ironed out for the city’s annual mill and paving, but the money for the project is in place.
“We have $700,000 in the budget for that project,” said Truka from his office at Bucyrus City Hall on Tuesday.
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 north end of town.
“We will then go diagonal to Garnet Court. Columbia Gas has a project in that area this year to put in new gas lines so it makes sense for us to work in that area. We always try to work with the gas company and state projects because it saves us money in the long run,” Truka said.
Bucyrus city officials are working diligently 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 is no sense in tearing up the streets twice,” Dunn said.
He said it saves the city money and time and makes it more convenient for residents.
More: Bucyrus plans for 2024 – here’s what the city is planning
Truka said a street levy was put in place years ago and is up for renewal this year.
“I think we are putting it on the May ballot. This is not new tax money for our residents. It is simply a renewal levy everyone is already paying, and it is very much needed to keep the streets in good condition,” Truka said.
Waterline work in the works for county areas
He said the city is working with local engineering firm Makeever and Associates for on projects that include waterline installations throughout different areas of the county.
“We are working with the county commissioners to get city water out to county residents,” Truka said. “They have a grant that is helping with the cost.”
He said plans are in the works to run waterlines down Nevada Road to Nevada then branch off at Nevada-Wynford Road north of Countyline Road then stop at Foxfire Campground.
“Yes, Foxfire will have city water. We are also planning to go through Oceola which will include Sunset Springs too,” Truka said.
He said there is a great need for city water for a foster family in the Route 4 area, south of Bucyrus.
“They are having 1,000 gallons of water brought in every month to fill their cistern. They are in dire need of city water,” the mayor said.
He also said there are plans to go north on Route 4 and down Andrews Road.
Bucyrus, Ohio EPA looking at new wastewater treatment plant
Truka said the increase in city water customers will not bring down the water bills for residents at this time.
“We have to make the $1.6 million payment each year on 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 if it will be better to renovate the existing plant to bring it up to where it needs to be or if it will be more cost-effective to build a new one,” said Truka.
Although Truka said he can’t give details yet, he did say he and other city officials are working with the county’s economic partnership to bring new jobs into the city.
“We are working hard behind the scenes to bring some positive and exciting things to our area,” Truka said. “I can’t provide details just yet but stay tuned.”
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Paving, sewer, waterline, wastewater projects coming to Bucyrus