Explanation
Hotel/Motel Excise Tax proceeds are disbursed in accordance with Section 371.02(c) of Columbus City Codes, 1959, which in part designates a portion of funds for the purpose of promoting the City of Columbus from funds generated by the Hotel/Motel Excise Taxes. In 2008, that portion is projected to be $4,790,000, $700,000 of which Council allocates to the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium, Inc. with this ordinance.
The Consortium is a 16-member group created in 2006 to bring organization and voice to the city's major cultural and artistic "anchor" institutions, with a focus on policy and strategy in both the short term and extended time frame. Among its desired outcomes is the promotion of culture and arts to form a significant differentiator for Columbus to contribute to the city's overall economic development. The City funds allocated here are to provide financial stability to such institutions in this difficult economy. Franklin County provided matching funds for this effort totaling $600,000. Efforts are underway to secure private sector funding for this purpose, as well.
Emergency action is requested to provide immediate support to the Consortium, which will engage the Greater Columbus Arts Counil as fidiciary.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this contract is included in the 2008 budget.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to contract with Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium for the purpose of fostering and sustaining arts and cultural services that enrich the Columbus community; to authorize the expenditure of $700,000.00 from the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($700,000.00) (AMENDED BY ORD. 0711-2008 PASSED 4/21/2008)
Body
WHEREAS, Section 371.02(c) of the Columbus City Codes, specifies a certain amount based on percentage of collections of the revenues of the Hotel-Motel Excise Tax for use to nurture arts and cultural services that enrich the community; and
WHEREAS, City Council believes that this...
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