Council approves holiday pay ordinance

TIFFIN — Tiffin City Council approved several appointments to city boards and commissions during its Monday meeting, along with legislation addressing holiday pay for certain full-time city employees. Council also accepted an Auditor of State Award recognizing the city's finance work and heard community updates including a proclamation for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Auditor recognition A representative from the Ohio Auditor of State's Office presented the city with an Auditor of State Award, which is given to fewer than 10% of the approximately 6,000 entities audited statewide each year. Finance Director Jill Lindhorst and former finance director Kathy Kaufman accepted the award on behalf of the city's finance team. Wilkinson noted the recognition reflects the city's continued transparency and accountability in managing taxpayer funds. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Mayor Lee Wilkinson also issued a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Representatives from the School of Opportunity thanked the council for the recognition and promoted several upcoming events, including Bakery Bingo on March 12, a celebrity basketball game March 26 at Heidelberg University's Seiberling Gym and a drive-thru Palm Sunday dinner March 29. "We just thank Tiffin for making it a truly inclusive place to be," a School of Opportunity representative told members of the council. Mayor's announcements In his report, Wilkinson shared public reminders related to recent water main breaks in the city, directing residents experiencing issues such as reduced water pressure to contact Aqua Ohio. Wilkinson also reviewed updates to the city's dog leash ordinance, explaining that dogs must be under reasonable control on their owner's property and must be leashed when off the property, with an exception for fenced dog parks. Student presentation Council also heard a presentation from Daniela Garner, a Tiffin University student participating in the Ronald Reagan Civics Leaders Fellowship Program. Garner shared results from a survey she conducted regarding barriers to dental care in Seneca County, highlighting concerns related to affordability, insurance coverage and awareness of available resources. Wilkinson said city officials would help connect Garner with the Seneca County General Health District after she said she had difficulty locating contact information while researching local resources. Finance and legal updates Finance Director Jill Lindhorst introduced legislation to amend the city's 2026 budget ordinance to appropriate $10,396.51 into the general fund following an insurance payment received for damages caused by a leak at City Hall. Law Director Zachary Fowler also explained procedural rules regarding mayoral appointments to boards and commissions, noting that appointments are announced at one meeting and typically voted on at the next, which allows them to pass in a single reading. Fowler additionally noted the council received a letter from Frontier Community Services regarding Villas at Seneca Place. He said the council has 30 days to submit any objections in writing to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency if concerns arise regarding the development. Additionally, the council approved the following legislation: Resolutions • 26-29: Approving the mayor's appointment of William Laugherty to the Thomas Connor Memorial Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2030. • 26-30: Approving the mayor's appointment of Jeremy G. Cripps to the Thomas Connor Memorial Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2030. • 26-31: Approving the mayor's appointment of Merre Phillips to the Julia M. Weller Memorial Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2030. • 26-32: Approving the mayor's reappointment of Deborah Baker to the Julia M. Weller Memorial Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2030. • 26-33: Approving the mayor's appointment of Christopher Monsour to the Civil Service Commission to serve the unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2026. • 26-34: Approving the mayor's appointment of Merre Phillips to the Fair Housing Board for a term ending Dec. 31, 2027. • 26-35: Approving the mayor's appointment of Kathy Kaufman to the Investment Advisory Committee for a term ending Dec. 31, 2027. • 26-36: Approving the mayor's reappointment of Brenda Young to the Tree Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2030. Ordinances • 26-13: Amending the codified ordinances to provide holiday pay for full-time city employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements. • 26-19: Accepting the dedication of an extension of Walker Street, located in the First and Fourth Wards, and declaring an emergency. • 26-20: Amending the 2026 budget ordinance to appropriate $10,396.51 following an insurance payment received for damages caused by a leak at City Hall, and declaring an emergency.