Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Finance and Management Director to enter into contract with Experience Columbus for marketing services to increase tourism and convention business and for the disbursement of the Hotel/Motel excise tax proceeds in accordance with Section 371.02(c) of the Columbus City Codes which, in part, designates a portion of funds for the purpose of promoting Columbus. For 2024, that portion of the Hotel/Motel excise tax is projected to be $12,878,000.00 and is provided to Experience Columbus per this ordinance. An amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the funds granted pursuant to this agreement may be used for food and non-alcoholic beverages directly associated with a public purpose.
Experience Columbus is the county convention and visitors bureau and provides marketing services to increase tourism and convention business. These services require expertise that cannot be provided by current city employees.
Emergency action is requested so that tax proceeds can be disbursed without delay to ensure timely payments so that marketing services increasing tourism and convention business can continue in the greater Columbus area with no interruption in service.
Experience Columbus, Contract Compliance#: FID: 314153118. CC#: CC-006014 (non-profit).
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $12,878,000.00 from the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax Fund with Experience Columbus for marketing services related to increasing tourism and convention business for the City of Columbus. These funds are budgeted in the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax fund for these services. Funding for this contract will come from receipts into the Hotel/Motel tax fund in accordance with Section 371.02 (c) of the Columbus City Codes and with Section 329.30 relating to non-profit service contracts exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00).
This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2024 operating budget.
Title
To authorize the...
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