Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the City Auditor to establish a certificate in the amount of $4,200,000.00 to enter into grant agreements with Columbus area 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to provide programming to youth in Central Ohio.
Due to the effects of COVID-19, the City of Columbus recognizes many organizations have suffered economic repercussions and may not have the same capacity to serve youth in 2021 and 2022. Through the American Rescue Plan fund, up to $4,200,000.00 is allocated to distribute to qualified Columbus area nonprofit agencies. Grants awarded will range from $5,000 to $250,000.
The nonprofit organizations must provide programming to youth in Columbus. Importantly, all expenses must be eligible under the United States Treasury American Rescue Plan guidelines.
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so that the program can be implemented as soon as possible in accordance with grant conditions.
Benefits to the Public: These grants will support programs that address educational disparities and/or promote healthy childhood environments.
Area(s) Affected: City-Wide with emphasis on low income neighborhoods.
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Columbus Recreation and Parks’ Master Plan by providing diverse, inclusive, and affordable opportunities for youth. The program will also provide ways to expand program offerings to youth.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the City Auditor to establish a certificate in the amount of $4,200,000.00 for the purpose of encumbering funds for future grant agreements with Columbus Area non-profit organizations to provide youth programming in Central Ohio. The Recreation and Parks operating fund 2285 will contribute $4,000,000.00 and the Recovery Fund 2209 will contribute $200,000.00. In addition, this ordinance authorizes the transfer of $285,850 to the Recreation and Parks Operating fund 2285.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to make financial assistance available and enter into grant agreements with Columbus area 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to provide programming to youth in Central Ohio; to authorize the City Auditor to establish a certificate in the amount of $4,200,000.00; to authorize the transfer of $285,850.00 from the General Fund to the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund; to authorize the appropriation of $4,000,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund; to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from the Recovery Fund; to authorize the expenditure of $4,000,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($4,485,850.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the City Auditor establish a certificate in the amount of $4,200,000.00 for various grant awards within the Recreation and Parks Department; and
WHEREAS, grants will be awarded to Columbus area non-profit organizations in amounts between $5,000.00 and $250,000.00, based upon the American Rescue Plan guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure is necessary to address the decrease in vital youth program offerings and services caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased need for educational programming and the creation of healthy childhood environments for Columbus youth and families; and
WHEREAS, expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act funding to address the need for educational programming and the creation of healthy childhood environments is necessary to address the negative impacts on youth and families caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Recreation and Parks in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into grant agreements for youth affected by COVID-19, for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor is authorized to establish a certificate in the amount of $4,200,000.00 to make financial assistance available and enter into grant agreements with Columbus area 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to provide programming to youth in Central Ohio.
SECTION 2. That the transfer of $285,850.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized from the General Fund 1000 to the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That from the unappropriated monies in the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund, 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 $4,000,000.00 is appropriated to the Recreation and Parks Department, Division 5101, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the expenditure of $200,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary in regard to the actions authorized in Section 1, is hereby authorized from the American Rescue Plan Fund 2209 in object class 03 services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance
SECTION 5. That the expenditure of $4,000,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary in regard to the actions authorized in Section 1 is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 in object class 03 services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks is hereby authorized to make financial assistance available and enter into grant agreements with Columbus area 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that provide programming to youth in Central Ohio.
SECTION 7. That this Council recognizes that this ordinance does not identify the nonprofit organizations to whom all of the grants and assistance will be awarded and understands that its passage will give the Director of Recreation and Parks the discretion and final decision in determination of the grants given that are in the best interests of the City.
SECTION 8. That grants will be awarded in amounts between $5,000.00 and $250,000.00 and will be awarded based on the American Rescue Plan guidelines.
SECTION 9. 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 10. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 11. 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 approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.