Eclipse could bring heavy influx of people to Bucyrus; city making plans

A discussion about what the city could do to be prepared for the April total solar eclipse was held during Bucyrus Finance Committee.

Members also addressed the audience urging for more public participation.

One of the main impacts eclipse could have in the area, said Bucyrus Mayor Bruce Truka, will be the influx of people that the city emergency services should be prepared for.

“There is a great influx of people coming to the area to witness the eclipse,” Truka said.

Eclipse discussion

Committee member James Mee suggested Bucyrus invite vendors to set up, similar to what other communities are planning.

Committee member Kevin Myers pointed out the vendors might be hit or miss at this point as a lot of them might be booked through the entire year.

Greg White, from the general public, commented Bucyrus City Council is too late to start preparations for the eclipse as a lot of the communities have been preparing for the past year.

Council member C. Aaron Sharrock said to her knowledge a lot of the vendors are still available.

The committee decided to investigate the situation with the vendors.

Calling for more participation

Before the start of the meeting council member Carolyn Shireman urged for more public participation at city meetings.

Shireman also addressed a few concerns with regard to how the new council functions. She said despite financial concerns of the residents, City Council deals with the financial situation left by the previous administration. She asked residents to be patient with the new council.

“I want the citizens to know we are not the bad guys,” Shireman said.

Council member Kevin Myers noted Bucyrus was not in the red financially, but it risked to be there unless measures are taken.

“We are headed that way, if we don’t do something,” Myers said.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus Finance Committee discussed eclipse planning