Tensions Rise, Findlay Auditor Moves to Investigate Legal Bills
Findlay Auditor Jim Staschiak is seeking more information about a bill for legal services received from City of Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn. Muryn has been interested in expanding water services to two nearby villages and has sought legal advice on the idea without council approval. Staschiak requested that a bill for approximately $17,000 be removed from legislation until he can get more information about the services provided by the legal firm.
Though Mayor Muryn was absent from the September 5 meeting, tensions between the auditor and city council members became heightened on the subject of the Findlay water system. According to Councilwoman Frische, the water regionalization proposal is being created behind closed doors and criticized the Mayor for not following the process for requesting payment of bills over $3000. Ohio Revised Code 5705.41D requires an approved purchase order for amounts over $3000. This is the second bill over $3000 that was submitted without approval from council. Frische questioned why the idea of providing water to surrounding areas has not been brought before council or the city’s water and sewer committee. With regards to the charges, Councilman Wobser felt that Muryn may be doing her homework before presenting the idea to council.
According to Auditor Staschiak, the $17,106.50 legal bill from Muryn’s consult had noted that the conference with the attorney was for drawing up contracts which goes ‘way beyond doing homework and research.’ Staschiak has requested more information about the bill but the Mayor has refused to share any more information or products of the meeting. Council voted not to pay the bill at this meeting and requested that Staschiak resubmit a resolution for payment after he received more information. Frische requested that any information that Staschiak receives be shared with city council as well.
An approval of the formation of an ad hoc committee regarding what is known as the Carlin property was also on the agenda. The Carlin property is an unimproved plot that is approximately 25 acres and owned by the city. The Mayor has proposed that the land be gifted to the Habitat for Humanity organization to be developed as a subdivision of Habitat homes. Residents in the area have become disgruntled and do not want these homes built on local green space. The ad hoc committee includes Councilman Brian Bauman who lives near to the property. Bauman had been selected to chair the committee. Councilwoman Frische made a motion to remove Bauman as chair citing a conflict of interest, as he is president of his own homeowners association which neighbors the property. Frische felt that Bauman would be unable to remain neutral as the chairman. City council voted to remove Bauman as the chairman of the committee.
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.
