Barberton council reviews fact‑finding report, outside probe and new communications policy after Parks & Recreation ad controversy

Barberton City Council convened a public work session Oct. 27 to consider a fact‑finding report and an outside investigation into a political advertisement that ran in the Parks & Recreation program guide.

The discussion focused on whether the ad and related actions amounted to misuse of public resources and whether city employees or officials should face further legal or personnel action. "Ignorance is no excuse for the law," Councilman Harris said, pressing that promises of transparency require adherence to legal duties and the oath of office.

Councilman Justin Heideck said he “disagree[d] with the finding of fact naming the mayor, the mayor’s assistant, and Councilmember Griffin as being at fault,” arguing the city department that approved the publication should bear responsibility. Several council members and the mayor’s office said they had cooperated with the outside investigators and that a written communications policy has been drafted to prohibit political content in city‑funded publications going forward.

Law Director Miller told council she could not conduct the internal investigation because her office represents multiple parties named in the matter and so the city engaged outside counsel; the administration said consultants who perform municipal audits assisted in drafting the communication directives.

Councilmembers asked whether the Auditor of State or the city’s external auditors would review the matter during the financial audit. Administration officials said the state office reviewed the flyer but told the city that it would not issue a cease‑and‑desist; the outside consultants then completed the fact‑finding and the city appropriated funds to cover an external review. When asked about cost, the administration confirmed an appropriation of $15,000 had been made to cover outside review and investigation; a second, separate investigation was noted as forthcoming and its final cost not yet known.

Public speakers defended Councilmember Griffin and several volunteers cited years of civic service, saying the placement of the ad was an inadvertent mistake and urging the council to consider intent. Other residents urged consistent application of rules and clearer city procedures to avoid future misunderstandings.

Council members described personnel and process remedies under consideration: a citywide written communication policy, refresher training for staff and officials, and designation of a responsible officer or process for reviewing and approving communications that use city funds. Administration said a staff meeting to review the new directives was scheduled and that the policies remain in effect.

The session ended with council agreeing to pursue the policy and training measures; council also discussed next procedural steps, including whether further legal referral or prosecution should follow, which council members said would be handled according to state law and prosecution discretion.