Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to amend Chapter 2321 of the Columbus City Code and to supplement Section 31 of the Charter of the City of Columbus which pertains to limitations on public expenditures and the prohibited uses of public funds.
In November 2014, Columbus voters overwhelming approved amendments to the Columbus City Charter, including revisions to Section 31, which established limitations on city expenditures and outlined prohibited uses of public funds. As amended, Section 31 also requires Columbus City Council to establish by ordinance prohibited uses of public funds and the penalties for violation of the same.
In accordance with Section 31 of the Columbus City Charter, this ordinance establishes prohibited uses of public funds, and the associated penalties, consistent with the most applicable general laws of the state outlined in Ohio Revised Code (ORC) ยง9.03. This section of the ORC regulates the use of public funds in three specific areas: 1) the prohibited uses of public funds by a governing body of a municipality in terms of communication; 2) prohibiting municipalities from compensating employees for political activity; and 3) the conducting of direct or indirect transactions of public funds for the benefit of a political entity.
In addition to the ORC, Sections 159, 160, and 161 of the Charter govern municipal contracts and establish multiple checks and balances to safeguard taxpayers, hold decision makers accountable and to ensure the City is a responsible steward of public dollars.
This ordinance is consistent with the both the ORC and existing Charter provisions, but further regulates the use of public funds and prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars to: 1) benefit any political entity; 2) discriminate against anyone for any reason ordained in Columbus City Code; and 3) to expressly advocate for or against any candidate for public office, or the passage or defeat of an initiated municipal ballot issue.
The...
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