Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the City Attorney to enter into two contracts with Lindsay Automotive, Inc. and Mr. Transmission/Milex Complete Auto Care for the purpose of supporting and expanding the Project Taillight public safety and crime prevention pilot.
In 2021, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein partnered with the Columbus Division of Police, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Columbus State Community College and local auto repair shops to pilot Project Taillight--an innovative public safety and crime prevention program.
Project Taillight aims to improve community safety and trust by connecting low-income residents with free headlight, taillight, brake light, license plate light and/or turn signal repairs-- keeping everyone safer on the roads and avoiding fees for citations/tickets. Participants also receive free vehicle inspections and fluid top off services.
Community residents from households with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free repairs. Columbus Police Community Liaison Officers, the Department of Neighborhoods and non-profit partners spread the word about the program then refer interested residents to the City Attorney’s Community Outreach team. The City Attorney Outreach team screens for eligibility then connects eligible drivers to Project Taillight auto partners for repair services.
During the first portion of this pilot, it became apparent during the vehicle inspections that many of the vehicles brought in for repairs had issues affecting them other than just safety lights, and that there would be difficulty for residents to afford these additional repairs. Columbus City Council is partnering with the City Attorney’s office to make funds available to assist with these repairs, to keep these automobiles operational and allow residents to maintain their transportation. The City Attorney will enter into additional contracts with existing partners to ...
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