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RESOLUTION NO. R-1415-15: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $48,500 FROM THE ROOM TAX FUND BALANCE TO BE USED BY THE NORMAN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, INC., (NCVB) TO BE USED FOR RELOCATION EXPENSES, TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES, AND REPLACEMENT OF THE CURRENT PHONE SYSTEM.
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BACKGROUND: Pursuant to the Norman City Code, Section 8-521 (et. Seq.), the City Council has established a policy whereby room tax collections are distributed to three organizations to further the aims of the Transient Guest (Hotel/Motel) Room Tax: the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau (50%); the Parks Department for parks capital improvement projects (25%); and the Norman Arts Council (25%). On May 25, 1993, the Council approved contract K-9293-136 with the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau (NCVB) to administer the portion of the room tax used to attract conventions and other meetings, and to promote visitation of Norman.
As of June 30, 2014, the convention and tourism portion of the Room Tax had an estimated fund balance of $210,920. Assuming that eight percent (8%) of projected allocations are held in reserve (as is the policy for most City funds), approximately $140,000 is available in "excess" reserves for NCVB expenditures.
DISCUSSION: As discussed in the attached letter from NCVB Executive Director Dan Schemm, The Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors has requested the appropriation of $48,500 of available Room Tax Fund balance for various expenses related to the relocation of the NCVB headquarters to downtown Norman:
Furniture and office equipment
Replacement of Telephone System
Technology Upgrade (Computer and Server Equipment Replacement)
By this action, the Council would also approve an amended scope of work for fiscal year 2014-2015 provided pursuant to Contract K-9293-136 to include the relocation of the NCVB offices.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the appropriation of...
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