Findlay council approves $200,000 addition for Spring Lake project despite lack of written MOU

Findlay City Council on Feb. 18 adopted Ordinance 20-25-006, adding $200,000 in city appropriations for the Spring Lake project despite questions from at least one council member about the absence of a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the project partner.

Council member Miss Frishee said she could not support the ordinance because the $200,000 is “above and beyond” an earlier $3 million agreement and no written MOU for the additional funds had been provided. “Although I want to see this moving forward ... I cannot support it at this time,” Frishee said during the discussion.

Why it matters: City staff and the mayor told council the additional funding is intended to keep the project moving and that state appropriations are expected to cover a larger planned appropriation; staff said the state agency has repeatedly signaled its intent to fund the project but a formal MOU for this $200,000 supplement had not been completed.

Vote and action: Council member Mister Palmer moved adoption of the ordinance; Mister Greeno seconded. During the roll-call vote Miss Frishee voted no; the remaining recorded members voted yes and the ordinance passed.

Staff comment and contingencies: The mayor and city staff told council the city has a longstanding relationship with the Ohio EPA and that the state has publicly committed to moving forward once state appropriations occur. Staff said they are “confident” that the state will fulfill its funding commitments but acknowledged there is not yet a signed MOU for the extra $200,000.

Ending: The ordinance was adopted and will take effect per the usual municipal schedule; council did not direct staff to withhold funds pending a signed MOU during the meeting.