Explanation
Background: As part of the Consent Order and Settlement Agreement between the City of Columbus and Penn National Gaming, Inc., the parties agreed to create the Westside Community Fund. Both the City of Columbus and Penn National Gaming agreed to contribute $2,500,000 to the Westside Community Fund, with the first payment of $1,000,000 made in 2012. Additional contributions of $750,000 were to be made by each party in 2013. The parties further agreed to each contribute $500,000 in 2014 and $250,000 in 2015.
The Westside Community Fund will be used for a variety of projects related to the neighborhood(s) immediately surrounding the Casino development and/or the citizens thereof, including but not limited to job training, minority affairs, economic development and/or capital projects.
This ordinance authorizes the appropriation and expenditure of $125,000 from the Westside Community Fund for support of the Hilltop YMCA. These funds are a contribution to the Hilltop YMCA Capital Campaign. With this appropriation, the Hilltop YMCA will be able to reach their fundraising goal of $1,900,000. These new dollars will be used to expand the current facility with a 6,300 square foot addition. The new features of the additional space will include a Multi-purpose/Activity Room, expansion of the Child Watch Area, an addition of family-designated changing rooms, expansion of the current Wellness Center, as well as renovation and updates to the existing infrastructure.
Fiscal Impact: Funds have been deposited into the Westside Community Fund from proceeds from the city’s allocation of State Casino Tax Revenues to support this expenditure.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $125,000.00 in the Westside Community Fund, to authorize the Director of the Development Department to enter into contract with the Hilltop YMCA; to authorize the expenditure of $125,000.00 from the Westside Community Fund for support of the Hilltop YMCA; and to declare an emergency. ($...
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