Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Stowe Mission of Central Ohio in an amount up to $30,000.00 for the purpose of facility upgrades that will allow them to expand the showers and provide other community services in the south side of Columbus. The upgrades and expansion will allow them to increase services and capacity to serve more residents. This ordinance also authorizes the payment of expenditures prior to the issuance of the purchase order beginning March 1, 2026 as well as the advancement of funds on a predetermined basis.
The mission of Stowe Mission of Central Ohio is to bring gospel hope and restoration to neighbors facing hardships by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Based in Columbus, they operate as a Christ-focused inner-city ministry that strives to “heal and renew” the community through free essential services.
The Stowe Mission has experienced a 1,400% increase in its shower services over the past three years. In 2024, Stowe Mission provided 1,200 showers to residents of Columbus experiencing homelessness and housing instability. This is up from only 80 showers in 2022. This grant will further expand this service and other services which they provide in the south side of Columbus. The funding will be used for facility upgrades, expanding services, and increasing capacity to assist more residents. The investment in this project will enhance the quality of life for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurities.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding is available with the Development Taxable Bonds Fund, 7739.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: The vendor’s contract compliance number is 043014 and expires on 03/26/2028.
Title
To amend the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget; to authorize the City Auditor to transfer appropriation between projects within the Development Taxable Bonds Fund; to authorize the Director of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Stowe Mission of Central Ohio to provide funding for facility upgrades; to authorize the expenditure of $30,000.00 within the Development Taxable Bond Fund; to authorize the expenditures prior to the issuance of the purchase order beginning March 1, 2026; and to advance funding per a predetermined schedule. ($30,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the mission of the Stowe Mission of Central Ohio is to bring gospel hope and restoration to neighbors facing hardships by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Based in Columbus, they operate as a Christ-focused inner-city ministry that strives to “heal and renew” the community through free essential services; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for facility upgrades to continue to assist residents facing homelessness and housing insecurity and will allow the Stowe Mission to increase the capacity to serve more residents; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize an amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget for the purpose of providing sufficient spending authority for the project expenditure; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for Council to authorize the City Auditor to transfer funds and appropriation within Fund 7739 (Development Taxable Bonds Fund) to establish sufficient cash to pay for the project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure prior to the issuance of the purchase order beginning March 1, 2026 as well as the advancement of funds on a predetermined schedule; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary in the usual and daily operation of the Department of Development to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement in the amount of $30,000.00 with Stowe Mission of Central Ohio for facility renovations which will expand services and increase the capacity in assisting more residents; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget authorized by Ordinance 1790-2025 be amended as follows to establish sufficient authority for this project:
Fund / Project / Project Name / Current / Change /Amended
7739 / P441768-100009 / North Market CFA Contribution (Unvoted Carryover) /$5,000,000.00 / ($30,000.00) / $4,970,000.00
7739 / P782003-100000 / Emergency Shelter Repair (Unvoted Carryover) /$0 / $30,000.00 / $30,000.00
SECTION 2. That the Director of Development be and is hereby authorized to enter into a Grant Agreement in an amount up to $30,000.00, with Stowe Mission of Central Ohio for facility upgrades to continue to provide essential services as well as have the increased capacity to assist more residents. This also authorizes the payment of expenditures prior to the issuance of the purchase order beginning March 1, 2026 as well as the advancement of funds on a predetermined schedule.
SECTION 3. That the transfer of $30,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects and or divisions within Fund 7739 Development Taxable Bonds per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. The expenditure of $30,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 7739 (Development Taxable Bonds Fund), in Dept-Div 4402 (Economic Development), Project P782003-100000 (Emergency Shelter Repair), in Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay) per the account codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this Ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 6. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to transfer any unencumbered balance in the project account to the unallocated balance within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies no longer required for said project; except that no transfer shall be made from a project account by monies from more than one source.
SECTION 7. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this Ordinance.
SECTION 8. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.