Findlay Council Split on Farm Animal Ordinance, Harrington Casts Tie Breaking Vote.
BY JEFF SKINNER
FINDLAY - Echoes of muffled gasps and groans could be audibly heard at Tuesday night's meeting as council President Jon Harrington voted to restrict the keeping of specific farm animals within the city limits. In a move that was disheartening across the political aisle, Findlay City council approved a resolution restricting the keeping of specific farm animals within the city limits. Council was split on the matter, leading to council president Jon Harrington to cast the tie-breaking vote. The resolution will restrict animal owners based on size of the animal and property size.
The new ordinance sets perimeters such as defining Small Animals as under 50 lbs which includes chickens, ducks, and rabbits which are allowed on any parcel as long as sanitation standards are met. The number may be limited to one animal per 800 sq. ft. of land, up to a maximum of 24 animals. There are now Prohibitions on roosters, geese, and turkeys are generally prohibited on lots smaller than one acre. Medium Animals are defined as 50–500 lbs. and includes goats and sheep. A minimum lot size of one acre is required for these and animals must be kept in a fenced rear yard with shelters that meet zoning setbacks. Large Animals are defined as over 500 lbs. and includes horses, cows, and pigs which are allowed only on parcels of at least three acres. Similar fencing and shelter requirements apply.
Members of the public spoke in opposition to the Ordinance as a solution in search of a problem. There have not been any recorded or discussed issues pertaining to farm animals in the city limits, with critics of the ordinance stating this is another example of government overreach from the Muryn administration in Findlay.
“My name is Antonia Faisant and I have been a Findlay resident for 54 years and I've been active in this community for over 20. I have served in various capacities and still do. Um, just recently I ran for a city council at large position due to the many concerns I've had over how the city is being run. I'm here to tell you I'm not a fan of the farm animal ordinance. My main reason is this ordinance came about to implement rules on Findlay City residents, not because there were issues, simply because other cities have similar rules in place. I have been attending city council meetings periodically for the last several years. In one of the most recent meetings, the animal ordinance was being discussed and questions were being asked, why do we need this ordinance? Have there been issues or reasons why this ordinance needed to be created? with a response of not really but possibly in the past. I found this disturbing because there hasn't been any issues but for some reason this council feels it necessary to implement rules on its residents just for the sake of it. If anything, we need less government oversight and not more. You are all here because city residents voted you in and trust you will do the right thing when it comes to local issues. Why would you impose rules without having a reason for doing it? Have you personally asked your constituents if they are okay with these new rules? Are they okay with receiving a misdemeanor if they don't follow the rules you want to impose and just for the sake of it? As a council member, you are not here so you can impose your rules on your constituents. You are here to make sure the city runs smoothly and make sure the bills get paid. I am asking you to drop this ordinance because it isn't necessary. Thank you.”
With a split council, Jon Harrington exuberantly declared “I get to vote!” leading to many in the crowd audibly gasping and groaning as Harrington affirmed the administration's move to restrict farm development within the city limits as Muryn and members of the administration laughed.
Later in the meeting, incoming council member for Ward 6, Rodney Phillips, spoke to the council about issues regarding the city’s budget, leading to a heated exchange between Phillips and the current administration.
“I've spent the past few weeks thoroughly reviewing and collecting data for the 2026 proposed budget, and a clear pattern has emerged,” Phillips said. For almost four years, our city's expenses have far outpaced its revenue. Revenue grows at close to 4% while expenses rise at eight. It seems clear, however, as we moved into 2026, an alternative strategy must be called for. If not, the only thing in doubt is what year we will be below the cash reserve. It's without change. It's a matter of when, not if. Expenses on personnel have risen $6 million in two years without a corresponding reduction in costs elsewhere or a significant increase in revenue. I'm concerned in speaking with you here today because I find this situation eerily similar to the financial crisis Findlay endured during the great recession of 2009 and 2010. And it was a really really difficult time around the city. If we are to avoid a tax increase or a loss of core services, costs must be cut. On average, city departments return $3.1 million to the general fund. As budgeted in 2026, this would still result in a nearly $3 million loss to the cash reserves just operate. And that would assume that no other big ticket items are approved. I'm merely asking that as a team, the auditor's office, the mayor's office, and the incoming council go back to the drawing board and have the tough conversations followed by the tough decisions to get spending more in line with projected revenues before the first council meeting in January.”
Mayor Muryn retorted with an attempt to calm any talk of balanced budgets to let the projections progress as, in her opinion, pursuing a balanced budget is bad management.
“I just want to reiterate, Rodney, I'm happy to meet with you and go through, I think that um you know there was a lot of discussion about the expense side but I think as as I've shared with you you know the revenue projections are revenue projections and there's a lot of things that kind of happen at the end of the year in the reconciliation process that ends up adjusting,” Muryn said. “So, one of the big things that we said last year is that there's one picture that is provided now and then it's good to let the dust settle once we get through the end of the year and then work just as we did last year. I think we've kept our word. We said last year there's a couple of key things that have developed over the last 10 years. And listen, I understand the concept of a balanced budget sounds nice, but when you are just balancing the budget for a balanced budget's sake, you do a couple of things that I think are bad management.”
Tuesday was additionally the last regular meeting for some of the outgoing members of city council. One member of the public made comments thanking council member Holly Frische for her service to the residents of Findlay.
"I'm here to recognize that Miss Frische has represented Ward One with caring yet bold courage. Every Halloween, Holly would go out on her golf cart and travel Ward 1. Not only did she carry a cooler full of candy for trick-or-treaters, but she would stop to talk with constituents about things that need attention in their neighborhoods. I was present when she took 30 minutes to speak with a resident about their safety concerns with a street carpeted with leaves. I was there when residents spoke to her about a specific home in their neighborhood where there was suspected drug activity. I also heard her have a discussion about curbs in need of repair. With every issue, she had me text her the address of the constituent so that she could follow up with the city when problems needed to be addressed. One of the most touching engagements I witnessed was some residents who just wanted her to come by and say hello. I stayed in the golf cart for 45 minutes while Holly caught up with a very elderly gentleman who appreciated her. He told her that his wife would be heartbroken if she didn't come in and say hello. His wife had lost her mobility to be able to come to the door as she had in years past. This year the woman passed away and the gentleman passed away shortly thereafter. There were just a couple of many who appreciate Holly's care and attention to ward one. Since Holly is moving on from city council, a few of us regulars wanted to recognize Holly for the good work she did. Through points of order, gavels and many interruptions, Holly kept her focus on her constituents, and we want her to know that she is irreplaceable and appreciated by many. Thank you, Holly, for your many years of service to Findlay residents."
While many in attendance, including members of council gave Frische a departing applause, Mayor Muryn remained still.
The Findlay City Council meet for regular sessions on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
