Explanation
This Legislation will authorize the appropriation and transfer of $300,000 within the General Permanent Improvement Fund to allocate monies in the proper project account for the purchase of equipment needed for the implementation of the Division of Fire's distance learning program. Equipment to be purchased includes computers and software, bandwidth upgrades, carrels and chairs.
The Ohio legislation passed a bill effective April 4, 2007 that mandates an increase in continuing education that firefighters will need to maintain certification. The implementation of distance learning will allow firefighters to log onto computers in Fire Stations at their convenience and take any of the approximately 200 fire and EMS lessons on line.
Emergency legislation is required because the provision of the bill that mandates increased continuing education must be met beginning April 5, 2008 and legislation to purchase all equipment needed is contingent on this piece.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are available in the unallocated balance of the General Permanent Improvement Fund for this appropriation and transfer. Since this ordinance simply transfers funds within projects there is no net financial impact on the General Permanent Improvement fund. The transfer between projects is necessary to properly align appropriations with projected expenditures.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Auditor to appropriate and transfer $300,000 within the General Permanent Improvement Fund for the purchase of equipment needed to implement the Division of Fire's Distance Learning Program; and to declare an emergency. ($300,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, unallocated funds are available in the General Permanent Improvement fund and will be used to purchase equipment needed for The Division of Fire's Distance Learning Program; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation and transfer of $300,000 from the unallocated balance of the General Permanent Improvement fund to properly align appropriations with projected expenditures.
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety in that it is immediately necessary to appropriate and transfer said funds in order to meet the effective date of implementation of the bill, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; Now, Therefore;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $300,000 within the General Permanent Improvement Fund as follows:
Division Fund. OCA Code Project No. Object Level 3 Amount
45-01 748 643114 748999 6000 $300,000
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized and directed to transfer $300,000 within the General Permanent Improvement Fund, as follows:
From:
Division Fund. OCA Code Proj No Proj Name Obj L 3 Amount
45-01 748 643114 748999 Unallocated 6600 $300,000
Balance
To:
Division Fund. OCA Code Proj No Project Name Obj L 3 Amount
30-04 748 748117 340117 Fire Distance 6640 $300,000
Learning
SECTION 3. 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.