Committee backs donation plan for new Findlay park

FINDLAY — An agreement that would make donating to the downtown recreation area easier just got another thumbs up from Findlay City Council members. Council's newly-named Finance Committee gave a second review to the plan. The committee, formerly appointed as the Appropriations Committee, held its inaugural meeting on Oct. 21. It recommended that the city pursue an agreement with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to collect and manage contributions for the recreation area. The agreement is intended to simplify the donation process and ensure that gifts are tax-deductible — something the city cannot guarantee on its own. Council recently agreed to the committee's name change after considerable debate over its role in city investments. The "Finance Committee" will be charged with stepping up council's oversight of investments, along with reviewing city spending plans. Committee members remain unchanged and include council members Jeff Wobser, R-at-large, chairman; Randy Greeno, R-at-large; Holly Frische, R-1; Beth Warnecke, R-3; and Josh Palmer, R-7. The vote was 4-0, with Frische absent. Findlay City Council's Strategic Planning Committee also voted in late September to support the donation idea. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Community Foundation can issue charitable contribution receipts, allowing donors to claim deductions. The Foundation also accepts online and small-dollar donations and can manage funds over time, potentially creating an endowment for future park upkeep. The foundation charges a 0.75% administrative fee, but Mayor Christina Muryn has said that the cost is offset by interest earnings. In 2024, the foundation's cash accounts earned between 3.5% and 3.95% interest, more than covering the fee. The city will make an initial $10,000 seed contribution, likely drawn from existing project or discretionary funds. The fund will operate as a draw-down account, allowing the city to request money as needed for project expenses. The Community Foundation will handle donor tax documentation, online donations, and fund management, providing a streamlined process for contributors. The fund also allows for long-term maintenance contributions and future donations beyond the initial project scope. Several potential donors have expressed interest in contributing, but are waiting for the fund to be formally established. The agreement includes provisions for donor refunds if the project is canceled, and the city will work with donors and the foundation to define specific terms for each contribution. Committee members also discussed naming rights, clarifying that donations do not automatically grant naming privileges. Any naming proposals will require separate legal and financial review due to potential tax implications. Establishing the fund and making the seed contribution will require a vote of council. The recreation area would cost between $30.4 and $37.8 million in 2027 dollars, according to the initial design work. Findlay's investment is projected to be about $10 million, with grants and donations making up the balance. In December 2023, Findlay City Council voted to appropriate $1.5 million to contract with Strand & Associates, Inc., Columbus, to begin the design. Earlier this year, council voted to appropriate the additional $4 million needed to finish design and engineering work, bringing the total design bill to over $5.5 million. In December 2024, council approved a tax increment financing district in the downtown area for the proposed downtown recreation area and other improvements in the downtown. TIFs allow the city to redirect property tax revenue generated by new development to pay for public infrastructure. City officials expect it to contribute significantly to the $10 million investment. Known as the "Downtown North River Development Project," the park will cover approximately 19 acres on the north side of the Blanchard River, stretching from the river north to Clinton Court, with Cory Street as its western boundary and ending at the railroad tracks to the east. There will also be enhancements to the south bank of the river. All amenities will be designed to withstand flooding. The project is part of the larger "benching" project along the Blanchard River, meant to increase the river's capacity during floods. Plans feature a skate park, gardens, shelter houses, picnic areas, a playable fountain and an amphitheater.