Explanation
BACKGROUND: Hotel/Motel Excise Tax proceeds are disbursed in accordance with Section 371.02(c) of Columbus City Codes, 1959 which says, in part: "...Of the combined rates of 5.1% the amount of tax allocated for the purpose of promoting the City of Columbus from funds generated by the Hotel/Motel Excise Taxes shall be up to 1.84%. However, the city traditionally allocates 1.5% for this purpose, providing additional support through the general fund. In 2005, in addition to the projected $3,510,000 in hotel/motel revenues, Experience Columbus is scheduled to receive $561,000 in general fund support.
The award of this contract meets the procurement provisions of Chapter 329.29 and 3901.01 of the Columbus City Code, 1959.
Emergency action is requested since the start of this contract was January 1, 2005 but its authorization could not proceed until the adoption of the 2005 budget on January 31, 2005.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this contract is included in the 2005 budget. Previous approximate amounts have been: $4,041,000 in 2004; $3,925,000 in 2003; $3,809,000 in 2002; $4,036,000 in 2001; $4,122,000 in 2000; and $3,937,000 in 1999, all reflecting combined hotel/motel and general fund allocations.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk 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 1.5% (presently estimated at $3,510,000) of the combined rates of 5.1% of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax; and to authorize the expenditure of $561,000 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($4,071,000)
Body
WHEREAS, Section 371.02(c) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, specifies that up to 1.84 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, ...
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