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 $2.5 million to the Westside Community Fund, with the first payment of $1 million made in 2012. Additional contributions of $750,000 were 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 is 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 $150,000 from the Westside Community Fund for support of The Salvation Army’s Hilltop Worship & Community Center. This funding will be used to support capital improvements to the Westside Center in order to better serve the clients of The Salvation Army. This center serves the residents of the Westside by providing programs focused on seniors, after school learning, fresh food distribution, and a drop-in center for victims of human trafficking.
Emergency action is requested in order to facilitate the timely and continuing development of the Westside Community without interruption.
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 $150,000.00 in the Westside Community Fund; to authorize the Director of the Development Department to enter into contract with The Salvation Army; to authorize the expenditure of $150,000.00 from the Westside Community Fund for support of The Salvation Army’s Hilltop Worship & Community Center; and to declare an emergency. ($15...
Click here for full text