Explanation
Over recent years, City Council has authorized the creation of 47 Tax Increment Financing districts (TIFs). Considerable monitoring is required of TIF districts. Their proposed or anticipated revenues have proven to be very erratic in both timeliness and amounts. While additional staffing was initially considered, a decision was reached by both the Director of the Department of Development and the City Auditor to utilize the services of Argus Growth Consultants, Ltd. (Argus), a private firm located at 100 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, formed specifically for the purpose of evaluating and monitoring TIFs. No other such services have been offered to the City. It is recommended, therefore, that this initial contract in an amount not to exceed $50,000 be awarded to Argus.
Numerous meetings and evaluations have been held between the Development Department personnel, City Auditor personnel, and Argus principals. The services of Argus will be continually monitored by the City Auditor and will be evaluated after the initial twelve month period to determine if such services continue to be warranted. It is recommended, therefore, that the seeking of bids for this unique service be waived.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Auditor to enter into contract with Argus Growth Consultants, Ltd. for the purpose of evaluating and managing TIF districts within the City of Columbus; to authorize the expenditure of $50,000; and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has the need for consulting services for the purpose of evaulating and managing the City's tax increment financing districts in order to properly monitor revenues; and
WHEREAS, Argus Growth Consultants offers the necessary level of specialization and expertise in this area; and
WHEREAS, for the foregoing reasons, it is necessary and advisable that the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, be waived and said contract be awarded to Argus Growth Consultants, Ltd; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO
Section 1. That the City Auditor is authorized and directed to enter into contract with Argus Growth Consultants, Ltd., Federal Tax ID No. 31-1659181, for the purpose of evaluating and monitoring the City's TIF districts for a 12 month period.
Section 2. That for the purpose identified in Section 1, the sum of $50,000, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized to be appropriated to and expended from Fund 010, Character 3, OL3 3324, OCA 220111.
Section 3. That for good cause shown, the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby waived.
Section 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.