Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Military/Veterans Educational Foundation, Inc. as a sponsor of their 2025 Veterans Rally and to provide up-front funding in support of the event, a rally to provide resources and education to veterans and the community. The rally is scheduled for November 11th, 2025. The event will feature entertainment, a free meal, and veteran-related vendor tents. All attendees can also take advantage of the Dog Tag Discount Program and enjoy discounted or complementary admission to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, as well as COSI. This ordinance is intended to authorize Military/Veterans Educational Foundation, Inc. to use funds provided by Council to defray food and non-alcoholic beverage costs associated with the event, including the free meal to be provided to veterans. The distribution of food and non-alcoholic beverages associated with this grant agreement are deemed to be in the public interest by Columbus City Council. The cost per person of food and non-alcoholic beverages must not exceed the per diem rate established by the Dept. of Finance and Management.
The mission of Military/Veterans Educational Foundation, Inc. is to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans, as well as to foster a sense of patriotism and community through various initiatives and events.
Council has previously acted to support this organization and event through Ordinance 2453-2024. This ordinance appropriates funding for event support in 2025 only, and does not represent a commitment to provide financial support in any future year.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are available in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, subfund 100018. Councilmember Day-Achauer has earmarked funds specifically for veterans affairs, including the event described in this ordinance.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Military/Veterans Educational Foun...
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