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 2014, that portion is projected to be $8,256,000 and is provided to Experience Columbus per this ordinance.
Emergency action is requested since the start of this contract was January 1, 2014.
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. This ordinance is contingent on passage of ordinance 0484-2014.
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 appropriation and expenditure of 2.39% (presently estimated at $8,256,000.00) of the combined rates of 5.1% of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax; and to declare an emergency. ($8,256,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Section 371.02(c) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, specifies that 2.39% of the combined rates of 5.1% 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 $8,256,000 or 2.39% 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, Ord. 2732-2013 appropriated $7,547,000 from the monies in the fund known as the Hotel-Motel Tax Fund, Fund No. 231, and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources during the 12 months ending December 31, 2014; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ord. 0484-2014, a revised estimate of Hotel-Motel Tax Fund 231 receipts indicates that additional monies are anticipated to come into the Fund for the 12 months ending December 31, 2014 and thus an additional appropriation of $709,000 is needed for eventual distribution to Experience Columbus; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 1-2014, the Experience Columbus Board of Directors has resolved to dedicate funding in its annual budget for collaborative image/branding efforts to enhance awareness, to support development in the region, and to continue the implementation of the five-year Destination Columbus Plan; 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. 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. The City Auditor is hereby authorized to appropriate an additional $709,000 to 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 2.39% of the combined rates of 5.1% of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax, currently estimated at $8,256,000, 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.