| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT March 12, 2013 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
(Columbus)--Columbus City Council, working in collaboration with area commission leaders, has included in the 2013 General Fund Budget greater funding for area commissions to support and continue their important work to improve Columbus neighborhoods. While meeting with Franklinton Area Commissioners at their regularly scheduled meeting, Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Small & Minority Business Development Committee, announced that Ordinance 0667-2013 is expected to be on an upcoming Council agenda. The legislation increases funding from $1,000 to $2,500 for all 17 area commissions.
“Area commissions serve as a vital link between City Hall and Columbus neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Miller, who also chairs the Zoning Committee. “Commissioners bring a wealth of commitment and passion to their service and our community is a better place for it.”
The money can be used for a variety of purposes, including mailings and programming. An increase in commission funding was first suggested to Council in a comprehensive report completed in 2007 by area commission leaders. That discussion has led to dialogue during a series of Commission on Commission meetings between City Council and commission leaders who are studying a number of issues that impact area commissions and their ability to improve the quality of life in Columbus.
“The commission meetings have maintained a line of communication not just between commissioners and city leaders, but between neighborhoods,” said Becky Obester, chair of the 5th by Northwest Area Commission. “While there is much more work that must done, this announcement of an increase in commission funding will help us at the street level build a stronger Columbus.”
The allocation of additional resources for direct area commission funding is just one of the many ways City Council is providing financial support for these groups this year. Included in the 2013 General Fund Budget is $100,000 set aside to support website hosting and page design, record retention and storage, and other needs that may be identified as discussions between City Council and area commissions continue.
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JOHN IVANIC
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
_____________________________________________________
90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Direct: 614-645-6798
Cell: 614-701-1411
