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Findlay City Council adopts resolution backing 1% school income tax ahead of May ballot
Summary
After public comment and divided remarks from council, Findlay City Council adopted Resolution 013-2025 supporting a proposed 1% earned income tax for Findlay City Schools; the resolution passed 8–1–1.
Findlay City Council on April 15 adopted a resolution supporting a proposed 1% earned income tax levy for the Findlay City School District, saying the measure would help reverse $6,000,000 in operational cuts the district is implementing. The resolution, introduced as Resolution 013-2025, passed on a roll-call vote of eight in favor, one opposed and one abstention.
The resolution's supporters told the council the levy would sustain school operations and services. “I will be voting on this resolution, and I will be voting in support of this resolution,” Councilman Russell said, acknowledging personal ties to the district and saying he felt a conflict but would vote in favor. Councilwoman Wernicke argued the levy is “an investment in the future of our community,” citing precedent for council support of school funding.
Opponents who spoke during the public-comment period urged the council not to endorse the tax. Randy Odermott, a resident who said he is a candidate for an at-large council seat, told the council, “I do not feel that the city council should take a position on the school tax.” Wanda Wertsfrewth said citizens had already rejected the proposal in November 2024 and criticized the district’s strategic plan; Renee LaGuire called the measure “a permanent income tax increase on working families in Findlay.”
Council debate reflected that division. Councilwoman Frishee said the community remains split over how to improve the district and that because many voters in her ward had opposed the tax in November she would vote against the resolution: “I will be voting no on the resolution because I support my ward.” Several other council members spoke in favor, emphasizing economic and community impacts of a well-funded school system.
The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Councilman Russell and seconded by Councilman Bauman. After hearing three public commenters and council discussion, the council took a roll-call vote. The clerk announced the tally as eight yes, one no, one abstention and said: “The resolution is adopted.” Council members encouraged turnout for the upcoming May election.
The resolution is a statement of support; it does not place the levy on the ballot. The record shows the Findlay City School District itself placed a separate 1% earned-income-tax question on the May ballot for voters to decide.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 013-2025 — move for adoption by Councilman Russell; seconded by Councilman Bauman; outcome adopted, vote 8–1–1.
