Explanation
Background: This ordinance is to authorize the transfer $115,000.00 from the existing Hotel/Motel Tax appropriation to the Recreation and Parks Department and appropriate the funds for the support of various annual special events and cultural arts programming for the enrichment of the community. Events typically supported by these funds include festivals and programming such as Jazz and Rib Fest, Sports Tournament Support, Music Licensing, and community events through the Special Events Support Program.
The Partnership through Sponsorship Program was created in 1995 by City Council to support community groups and neighbors that host free events that celebrate cultural, ethnic, and artistic diversity for the entertainment and enjoyment by the greater Columbus community. In 2017, CRPD elected to expand the program to include larger city-wide events that are part of the cultural fabric of the City. Now identified as the Special Events Support Program, it includes (5) levels of support including: First Time Impact, Neighborhood Impact, Community Impact, Citywide Impact, and Regional Impact. All events must occur within a Columbus park, facility, street, or public place.
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested as it is immediately necessary to appropriate and transfer funds for necessary expenditures starting in March.
Financial Impact: The City Auditor is directed to transfer and appropriate $115,000.00 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund.
Title
To authorize the transfer of $115,000.00 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund for the support of various annual special event programming; to appropriate $115,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($115,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus City Code Section 371.02 allows for the allocation of a maximum of 1.59 percent in relation to the 5.1 percent Hotel/Motel Tax receipts for use for said purpose of the advancement of the cultural development of the community - the equivalent of 31.18 percent of collections; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Recreation and Parks annually provides a portion of this allocation to fund regional, citywide, and community events and festivals; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $115,000.00 to the Department of Recreation and Parks to support various cultural events; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $115,000.00 in the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City of Columbus in that it is immediately necessary to appropriate and transfer funds for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare, for necessary expenditures starting in late March; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized and directed to transfer $115,000.00 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. 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 3. That from the unappropriated monies in the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285, and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, the sum of $115,000.00 is appropriated to the Recreation and Parks Department per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That 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 its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.