“Spit it out!” Findlay Council Member Corners Mayor on Legal Bills

Sparring continued at the Tuesday, September 19 Findlay City Council meeting over legal bills and the expansion of the city’s water system. Discussion of a $17,000 legal bill continued, this time, because of a request on the agenda to transfer funds from the Service-Safety Director’s budget into the Law Director’s budget. The intense discussion led to the revelation that the transfer was, in fact, to cover that mysterious legal bill related to water expansion contracts.

To start the meeting, four residents spoke before council, accompanied by approximately 30 of their neighbors, about the Habitat for Humanity subdivision that has been proposed by Mayor Muryn. The residents are opposed to the Mayor’s plan due to an increase in traffic as well as the loss of much needed greenspace for water drainage. Later in the meeting, City Council passed legislation to allow the public to bid on farming the land in question. The land is currently leased for farming and releasing the property would delay developing the land for at least another year.

A letter from the Service-Safety Director, Rob Martin, was read into the record asking to transfer $20,000 from the Service-Safety account to the Law Director’s account. Councilwoman Frische questioned Service-Safety Director, Rob Martin, asking if the $20,000 was a burden to his budget. Martin indicated that he had enough money to finish the year. He explained that the city auditor required the transfer of the funds to the law department since the bill was not a service-safety bill. 

Frische asked Law Director, Don Rasmussen, how the transferred $20,000 would be used. Rasmussen gave a vague answer, indicating the money was for unpredicted future legal bills. Frische asked specifically what bill needed to be paid with this money.

“What is the bill,” Frische said. “You have a bill, so spit it out.”

When Rasmussen did not answer, Muryn spoke up, explaining that the bill is, in fact,  for the legal consultation about possible water expansion. At the September 7 City Council meeting, Muryn admitted to meeting with Attorney Christina Cross who works for Bricker & Eckler Attorneys at Law, for advice on expanding the Findlay water system. Christina Cross is also the wife of State House Representative Jon Cross.  Muryn further indicated that she did not need city council’s approval to spend these funds except that “the P.O. was done inappropriately.” Ohio Revised Code 5705.41D requires that any bill without a P.O. that is over $3000 must be approved by the auditor. 

“Wow, that’s my first answer,” Frische said.

Frische has had ongoing concerns regarding Muryn not following the proper processes for city business. Looking toward the audience, Frische described an email exchange with Muryn, where she claims Muryn refused to share the legal contracts because they were not public documents. Muryn accused Frische of enjoying “back and forth”, “politicizing” the water issue, “giving half information”, and gathering information for “social media clicks.” 

Frische attempted to continue to probe the matter, however, she was interrupted by the gavel of Council President Harrington and told to be quiet. Mayor Muryn laughed while Harrington read a council rule that does not allow a council member to speak for more than five minutes without a first and second of other council members. On a point of order, Frische asked Harrington if she could see his timer. Harrington stated he had already deleted the time which caused a loud outburst of laughter from the audience. Harrington then gaveled the audience, stating to the audience that they will be quiet or be removed by a police officer. Frische’s time was extended by other council members allowing her to conclude her statements. 

After contacting Auditor Jim Staschiak for clarification on the Mayor’s spending limits, Auditor Jim Staschiak noted that the Mayor is “absolutely held to the $3000 limit.” Staschiak is still awaiting answers to several questions about the legal bill. According to Staschiak, the law surrounding the spending of tax-payer money is very specific. Once it is clear that this legal bill fits within those parameters, Staschiak will submit an ordinance to the City Council and suggest the bill be paid.

Findlay City Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the first floor of the Municipal Building. Meetings are also streamed live on the City of Findlay YouTube channel.