Explanation
Hotel/Motel Excise Tax proceeds are disbursed in accordance with Section 371.02(c) of Columbus City Codes, 1959, which in part designates a portion of funds for the purpose of promoting the City of Columbus from funds generated by the Hotel/Motel Excise Taxes. In 2013, that portion is projected to be $7,270,000 and is provided to Experience Columbus per this ordinance.
Emergency action is requested since the start of this contract was January 1, 2013.
Contract Compliance #:31-4153118 004 (non- profit)
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this contract will come from receipts into the Hotel/Motel tax fund in accordance with Section 371.02 of the Columbus City Codes.
Title
To authorize the Department of Finance and Management to contract with Experience Columbus for marketing services to increase tourism and convention business and strengthen the image of the City of Columbus, Ohio; to authorize the expenditure of 2.19% (presently estimated at $7,270,000.00) of the combined rates of 5.1% of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax; and to declare an emergency. ($7,270,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Section 371.02(c) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, specifies that 2.19 percent of the combined rates of 5.1 percent of the revenues of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax are to be used for the promotion of the City of Columbus as a desirable location for conventions, tourism, trade shows, and similar events; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Finance and Management desires to contract with Experience Columbus for $7,270,000 or 2.19 % of the combined rates of 5.1% of the revenues of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax in accordance with Chapter 371.02 (c) of Columbus City Codes, 1959; and
WHEREAS, the City and its citizens benefit economically, culturally, and otherwise from these marketing services, and it is in the best interests of the City and its citizens to encourage and support the services of Experience Columbus; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the government of the City of Columbus in that it is immediately necessary to insure the ongoing operation of Experience Columbus for the immediate preservation of public peace, property, health, safety and welfare; now therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That The Department of Finance and Management is hereby authorized to contract with Experience Columbus for marketing the City of Columbus, so as to increase cultural, educational, religious, professional and sports-related visits and conventions in the City, thus boosting the economy and creating more jobs.
SECTION 2. For the purpose of paying the costs thereof, the sum of 2.19% of the combined rates of 5.1% of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax of the currently appropriated $7,270,000 (Ordinance No. 2633-2012) is hereby deemed appropriated and authorized to be expended from The Department of Finance and Management, Division No. 45-50, the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax Fund 231, Subfund 001, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3337, OCA Code 455231.
SECTION 3. Said contract shall provide for payment by the City for such services in accordance with Chapter 371.02(c) of Columbus City Codes, 1959, and 2.19% of the combined rates of 5.1% of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax, currently estimated at $7,270,000, is hereby authorized to be expended from The Department of Finance and Management, Division No. 45-50, the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax Fund 231, Subfund 001, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3337, OCA Code 455231.
SECTION 4. That this contract is awarded pursuant to Section 329.15 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959 as amended.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.