Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the City Auditor to establish an encumbrance for the payment of contract services with Columbus Early Learning Centers (CELC). CELC is the existing Pre-Kindergarten education program provider at the Hilltop Early Learning Center, as authorized by Ord 0441-2022. Pursuant to Ord 0441-2022, the Department of Finance and Management, on behalf of the Office of Education, was authorized to enter into an Operations Agreement with CELC. This Operations Agreement had an initial term for the period September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023. This Operations Agreement provided for two automatic annual renewals. An encumbrance is therefore needed to pay contract services related to pre-kindergarten programming for the third (and final) renewal period of September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $3,061,735.00 with Columbus Early Learning Centers for the period September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025, as well as the approval of prior expenditures related to contract services. Funding for this contract is budgeted and available within the 2024 Mayor’s Office of Education general operating budget.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested in order to allow the establishment of an encumbrance for the payment of contract services prior to close-out of the 2024 Fiscal Year.
Title
To authorize the City Auditor to establish an encumbrance for the payment of contract services with Columbus Early Learning Centers; to authorize the expenditure of $3,061,735.00 from the General Fund; to authorize the payment of prior expenditures related to contract services; and to declare an emergency. ($3,061,735.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Mayor Ginther’s vision for Columbus, America’s Opportunity City, is that every child is ready for kindergarten; and
WHEREAS, participation in quality early childhood education can provide an important mechanism for developing children’s school readiness...
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