Explanation
City Council established a special purpose subfund titled “Mayor-Information/Education/Events” via 0653-2004 as a mechanism for the deposit of donations for the purpose of funding certain community educational/informational activities and events. This legislation was repealed via 2155-2005 to provide clarification on the purposes for which this subfund could be utilized.
Further clarification to and update of 2155-2005 is now warranted. In particular, 2155-2005 authorizes appropriation, not to exceed the cash in the fund, in only the services category. In order to post expenses in any category other than services (supplies, for example), multiple letters of transfer of appropriation are necessary throughout the year, creating needless administrative burden. This legislation is put forth, in part, to allow for appropriations to be made in any expense category as needed, and again, not to exceed the available cash in the fund. It also clarifies and broadens the list of potential city events and community activities for which this subfund can be used to allow for greater flexibility as new needs arise.
Fiscal Impact: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To authorize the City Auditor to reestablish a special purpose subfund titled “Mayor-Information/Education/Events” for the purpose of depositing donations received for the promotion and execution of various city events, activities, and initiatives; to appropriate an amount up to, but not to exceed, the cash, not encumbered for any other purpose, within the special purpose fund; to authorize the expenditure of said funds received for such purposes; to waive the provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes; and to repeal 2155-2005.
Body
WHEREAS, this Council established a special purpose subfund titled “Mayor-Information/Education/Events” via ordinance 0653-2004 as a mechanism for the deposit of donations to fund community educational/informational activities and events; and
WHEREAS, this Council repealed 0653-2004 via 2155-2005 to provide clarification on the purposes for which the monies in the subfund can be used; and
WHEREAS, there is now a need to provide further clarification on the purposes for which the monies in the subfund can be used; and
WHEREAS, there is further need to amend the appropriation mechanism such that appropriations can be made in any object class as needed, and not to exceed the available cash in the fund; now therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the subfund titled “Mayor-Information/Education/Events”, fund 2223, subfund 222324, is hereby reestablished for the purpose of receiving donations that have been submitted for the promotion and execution of city and community events, activities, and initiatives such as, but not limited to, the following:
Public Announcements
Grand Openings
Ribbon Cuttings
Ground Breakings
Award Ceremonies
Project Announcements
Achievement/Recognition Ceremonies
Dedication Ceremonies, including Street Dedication Ceremonies
Public Speeches, including the State of the City Address
City Gifts “Keys to the City”
Visitor Information
Community Recognition Media Events/Communications
Retreats
Downtown Events/Festivals
Marathons/Cause Related Walks, Races, Bike Events
Public Art
Neighborhood Events and Celebrations
SECTION 2. That an amount up to, but not to exceed, the cash in the fund not encumbered for any other purpose is hereby appropriated within the special purpose fund, fund 2223, subfund 222324, department 40, division 40-01, program MA001, as needed in the appropriate object class(es) and main account(s).
SECTION 3. That funds received and limited for this purpose be deemed authorized to be expended for the city events, activities, and initiatives set forth in Section 1 above, but in no circumstance shall an expenditure exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) without council authorization via an ordinance.
SECTION 4. That under no circumstances shall these funds be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.
SECTION 5. That the provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby waived in relation to the expenditures associated with the purpose of this subfund.
SECTION 6. That Ordinance No. 2155-2005 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 7. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.