Explanation
In December 2018, Columbus City Council passed Ordinance 3379-2018 which enacted Chapter 376 of the Columbus City Code in order to establish the Facility Stabilization fund and an admissions tax on entrance to events held at Nationwide Arena. This second piece of legislation will amend Chapter 376 of the Columbus City Code in order to strengthen the regulatory tax framework.
EMERGENCY ACTION: Emergency Action is being requested in order to amend the Columbus City Code Chapter 375 as it applies to tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The City must ensure the Columbus City Code is updated before that date.
Title
To amend and enact various provisions of Chapter 376 of the Columbus City Code in order to strengthen the levying, collection, and allocation of admissions tax for facility stabilization receipts; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, Nationwide Arena is an essential component of Columbus’ economic development and the city’s capacity to attract concerts, conventions, and events; and
WHEREAS, the profile of Columbus as a destination city requires increasing demand on the capacity of the Arena; and
WHEREAS, the Arena is a publicly-owned facility, and in order to meet the long-term needs of the Arena, it is necessary to dedicate a funding stream to support essential facility maintenance, upgrades, and repairs; and
WHEREAS, the tax enacted under this ordinance will provide the resources necessary for not only the capital needs of the Arena, but also support for capital improvements to other major cultural facilities, sports venues, public art, and performance arts spaces; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 376 of the Columbus City Codes regards the taxation of admissions to events held at Nationwide Arena; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, in promotion of its efforts to invest in the creative economy, finds it necessary to amend Chapter 376 which provides taxation regulations on admissions to events held at Nationwide Arena; and
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