Explanation
Background: In December 2018, Columbus City Council passed Ordinance No. 3379-2018 which enacted Chapter 376 of the Columbus City Codes in order to establish the Facility Stabilization fund and an admissions tax on entrance to events held at Nationwide Arena. Chapter 376 was further amended to strengthen the regulatory tax framework in December 2019 with the passage of Ordinance No. 3102-2019. This third piece of legislation will amend Chapter 376 to increase the admissions tax for events held at Nationwide Arena in order to support additional capital investment in the facility.
Fiscal Impact: No funding is required for this legislation. The admissions tax established under Chapter 376 of the Columbus City Codes is being increased by two percent, and the additional two percent is being allocated to the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority to support Nationwide Arena.
Title
To amend and enact various provisions of Chapter 376 of the Columbus City Code in order to strengthen the levying, collection, and allocation of admissions tax for facility stabilization receipts. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Nationwide Arena is an essential component of Columbus’ economic development and the city’s capacity to attract concerts, conventions, and events; and
WHEREAS, the profile of Columbus as a destination city requires increasing demand on the capacity of Nationwide Arena; and
WHEREAS, Nationwide Arena is a publicly owned facility, and in order to meet the long-term needs of Nationwide Arena, it is necessary to strengthen the dedicated funding stream provided by the admissions tax to support essential facility maintenance, upgrades, and repairs; and
WHEREAS, the tax enacted under this ordinance will provide the resources necessary not only for the capital needs of Nationwide Arena, but also support for capital improvements to other major cultural facilities, sports venues, public art, and performance arts spaces; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 376 of the Columbus ...
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