FINDLAY (WTOL) - The city of Findlay is preparing to say goodbye to their current Mayor Lydia Mihalik as next week she will become the director of the Ohio Developmental Services Agency.
Lydia Mihalik won the mayoral race in Findlay over the incumbent with 73 percent of the votes, becoming Findlay's first female mayor in 2012.
With the office, Mihalik inherited a $6.5 million budget deficit.And within months, had a new budget laid out, shrinking that deficit to nearly %1.5 million , but with the loss of many public positions.
Now seven years later, Findlay has a strong enough cash reserve to offset future budget deficits
“We’re in a much different situation now, we’ve grown our economy, we’ve worked collaboratively with the Findlay Formula making things better here whether it’s community or economic development,” said Mihalik.
One of the biggest hurdles that Mihalik took on was the threat of Blanchard river flooding.
And through collaborative work with Hancock County and private citizen groups, construction finally began to lower flood levels last year.
“We have substantive conversations happening with all stakeholders, which I’m very happy about. It’s not an us versus them mentality anymore,” she said.
But among her larger accomplishments, Mayor Mihalik is also proud of smaller community improvements.
Including the renovation of Dorney Plaza, the beautification of downtown, and the installation of the miracle league inclusive baseball field.
“And I think it speaks, personally, to the things that we think are important. And we value community, and that means everyone,” said Mihalik.
Mayor Mihalik will officially resign form her position as mayor on Sunday evening. And then Monday morning, city council president Ron Monday will take over the reins as acting mayor.
Last week, Findlay mayor Lydia Mihalik was announced as Governor elect Mike Dewine's choice to run the Ohio Development Services Agency.
As director, Mihalik will be overseeing the state agency that focuses on helping small businesses, retaining current businesses, and administering tax breaks.
Mihalik said her staff will be smaller than the one she has in the city of Findlay, but the reach is obviously much bigger.
Mihalik said her immediate goals for the agency will be to focus on opportunity zones in the state, and the upcoming 2020 census.
“My agency will be responsible for ensuring that everyone gets counted. We’ll work with our local governments to make that a reality. but, lots of things relative to community and economic development that can continue to make Ohio a great place to be. But not only be, but invest and grow,” said Mihalik
Mihalik will in attendance on Monday morning for Governor Elect Mike Dewine’s swearing in ceremony in Columbus. And afterwards, she will officially begin working as director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.