Galion City Council members approved a job creation tax credit for Elliott Machine Works, established a police donation fund, and discussed a recent lawsuit brought against the city during its April 23 meeting.

Previous council members passed Ordinance 2018-23, establishing a job creation tax credit in Galion. Elliott Machine Works, located on the north side of Galion, applied for the tax credit as it plans its 20,000-square-foot expansion.

The machining company is planning to expand its paint production area and mount shop. Over the next three years, the company plans to add nine to 12 jobs.

Several council members expressed their support of the project, pointing out that Elliott Machine Works has been in the community for many years and has provided employment for many community members.

Council approved the new ordinance allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Elliot Machine Works.

The company currently employs 68 people.

Council also passed ordinance 2024-29, establishing a specific donation fund for the Galion Police Department. Auditor Brian Saterfield explained that Police Chief Ryan Strange wanted to establish a specific fund that gives donors the ability to direct their money to desired positions within the department.

This new fund is similar to an existing arrangement with the fire department. Council members passed the ordinance unanimously.

Council members also entered into an executive session to discuss the lawsuit brought by former Police Chief Marc Rodriquez against the City of Galion.

As previously reported by the Inquirer, Rodriguez was terminated from his position on Dec. 19, 2022, after being placed on administrative leave in August 2022.

Rodriguez has now filed a federal lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division. In the suit, Rodriguez accuses both Mayor Tom O’Leary and the City of Galion of racism and discrimination.

Rodriguez was dismissed for alleged misconduct against women. This decision was affirmed by the Galion Civil Service Commission in December 2022.

In response, the City of Galion released the following statement:

“We deny the allegations in the Complaint. Our lawyers are going to vigorously defend this. We note the same allegations were made to the EEOC, which decided not to pursue the claim after Galion provided information on why Mr. Rodriguez was terminated. A police chief should lead by example in his treatment of women. In our opinion, the false and inflammatory allegations made against the Mayor only highlight the lack of merit of the claim and were designed 1) for the press to write inflammatory stories without having all the facts and 2) to deflect from Mr. Rodriguez’s conduct which led to his termination.”

Hannah Bryan is a correspondent for the Galion Inquirer. She can be reached at [email protected].