Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Finance and Management Director to enter into a contract with Triumph Communications for professional services related to early voting education, information, and associated public service announcements.
Columbus is a home rule municipality which has previously enacted city code that foresees the need to use public funds to “…promote, enforce and protect the fundamental right to vote…” (CCC 2321.55(C)(2)). In addition, the Columbus City Attorney has advised that the use of city funds is legally permissible for this purpose.
This ordinance also requests waiver of the competitive bidding requirements of City Code Chapter 329. This waiver is necessary due to the limited time remaining until the November 8, 2022 general election and the time necessary to establish a contract and provide the needed voter information services prior to such election. The City of Columbus wishes to enter into this contract as a means to provide the needed voter information in an expeditious manner in order that Columbus voters, as well as voters in other areas of Franklin County, can continue to receive nonpartisan information about their fundamental voting rights.
Fiscal Impact: This legislation authorizes an expenditure of $400,000.00 from the General Fund for consulting services related to early voting education and information. These funds are available within the 2022 General Fund budget.
Emergency Action: Emergency action is necessary given the need to immediately expend these funds prior to the November 8, 2022 general election.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to enter into a contract with Triumph Communications for professional services related to early voting education, information, and associated public service announcements for the 2022 general election; to authorize an appropriation, transfer, and expenditure within the general fund; to waive the competitive bidding prov...
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