Council expresses concern over taxi ordinance changes; discussion to send revision back to committee

Council debated proposed changes to Findlay’s taxi regulations on third reading, focusing on provisions that would replace the existing three-member oversight board with a single administrator and that include new permit fee and insurance-notice language.

Councilmember Kenzinger said the update was overdue but identified several concerns: the shift from a three-member review board to a single decision-maker; unclear language allowing the fee schedule to be amended without specifications on who decides and how notice is given; an insurance-notice provision that requires 10 days’ notice for policy changes — a timeframe many insurers cannot provide; and a clause requiring owners of taxi businesses to hold a driver’s license, which could prevent someone from owning a business if they later are unable to drive.

Legal counsel advised the council that it could refer the ordinance to a committee for further study or form a special committee to recommend revisions; council discussed the options. At the close of debate there was no immediate majority motion to adopt the existing draft. Councilmembers discussed alternatives including commitment to further study and returning with tightened language to preserve checks and balances and appeal processes.

The council did not adopt Ord. 2026-008 as presented. Members asked staff and legal counsel to prepare a revised draft that clarifies fee amendment procedures, insurance-notice requirements, and the governance and appeal processes before the council takes final action.