$1.3 million in savings found during Findlay performance audit

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By Tricia Bell, Video Journalist - bio | email

Findlay, Ohio -

According to city officials, Findlay faces a $6 million projected budget shortfall next year if changes aren't made. This November, voters will see a quarter percent income tax on the ballot, but mayor Lydia Mihalik says if approved that still won't solve all of the city's financial concerns.

"The tax in itself generates $4 million. We still have to find $2 million in savings," said Mihalik.

So the city also went through a financial audit by the state auditor's office in an effort to find more ways to save. Eight recommendations were made including reducing public safety staffing, changing the health insurance program, and consolidating some operations.

In total $1.3 million in savings were found out of a $ 26 million budget.

"The fact of the matter is the return on investment shows that the Findlay administration is really pretty lean. They do a pretty efficient job here," said Dave Yost, state auditor.

The study recommends reducing the number of firefighters by four and police officers by three.

"Seventy five point one percent of the money here is spent on personnel. So, you're not going to find too many place to save if you don't look at staffing levels," said Yost.

The audit cost about $82,000. If the changes are implemented, the city will see an average return on investment of $16 dollar spent on the audit.

The city is already implementing some of the recommendations including adopting new health insurance plans.

The entire report can be found at http://ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/detail.aspx?ReportID=97903.