Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the transfer of $3,000,000.00 within the Columbus Public Health operating fund 2250 to the appropriate funding main accounts and object classes for 2021 COVID-19 response initiatives. As a part of the 2021 operating budget for Columbus Public Health, $3,000,000.00 was appropriated and placed into fund 2250, object class 10 for future transfer for the appropriate use. These funds were an expansion to Columbus Public Health for immediate response toward COVID-19. Funding has been provided for the services to include but not limited to vaccine implementation, space rental, contact tracing, network services, and media campaigns. In addition, the funding will allow for the purchase of equipment and supplies for the continued COVID-19 response. To date in 2021, Columbus Public Health employees have provided over 80,000 hours in staff time associated with the COVID-19 response. This funding will help offset the additional staffing need.
Emergency Designation: This legislation is to be declared an emergency measure to ensure the continuation of COVID-19 response efforts while immediately providing funding in the correct auditing main accounts.
FISCAL IMPACT: Authorizing the transfer of appropriation within fund 2250.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Auditor to transfer $3,000,000.00 within the Columbus Public Health Department’s operating fund for personnel, materials and supplies, and services for COVID-19 response initiatives; and to declare an emergency. ($3,000,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is a need to provide correct appropriation by main account for the continuation of 2021 COVID-19 response initiatives; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Board of Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the City Auditor to transfer funding within fund 2250 for COVID-19 response and for the immediate preservation of 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 City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to transfer $3,000,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, within the Board of Health operating fund budget, per the account 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 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.