Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the expenditure of $200,000 to the Department of Development in support of the Exterior Renovation Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to provide assistance to small businesses for the purposes of improving the appearance of commercial corridors throughout the City of Columbus. Façade improvement will enhance the appearance of the business as well as lead to business growth and development. Similar services are available for businesses located in the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) Areas.
As part of the Small Business Roundtable Initiative, which engaged business leaders throughout the City of Columbus, Columbus City Council proposed funding, in 2013, for services such as the Exterior Renovation Program.
Façade improvements for the program may include signage, lighting, doors, windows, masonry and carpentry repair and other services needed to improve the exterior façade.
Emergency action is requested in order to provide support to the Exterior Renovation Program thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $200,000.00 within the Development Department. Funding for this program will be transferred from the general fund citywide account.
Title
To authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 to support the Department of Development’s Exterior Renovation Program; to authorize a transfer within the general fund; and to declare an emergency ($200,000.00).
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council has provided support for exterior and interior renovation services to small businesses; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Council supports efforts to leverage city resources in support of Columbus’ small businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Development plans to provide assistance to the small business community through the Exterior Renovation Program; and
WHEREAS, grants will be provided to small business to improve the appearance of businesses located in commercial corridors; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to provide support to the Exterior Renovation Program thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; Now, Therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Development is authorized to expend $200,000 for the Exterior Renovation Program for the purpose of providing façade renovation improvements to small businesses.
SECTION 2. That the transfer of $200,000 is hereby authorized between divisions within the general fund, fund 1000, subfund 100010, per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $200,000 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in the general fund, fund 1000, object class 03, contractual services, per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. For the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.