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RESOLUTION R-1415-22: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA APPROPRIATING $2,000 FROM THE NORMAN ARTS COUNCIL'S PORTION OF THE ROOM TAX FUND BALANCE TO BE USED TO ATTRACT ARTISTS AND ARTS LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE TO ATTEND THE OKLAHOMA ARTS CONFERENCE IN NORMAN TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 21 THROUGH 23, 2014.
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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%). The Norman Arts Council (NAC) has primarily used its allocations to fund programs through "sub-grant" organizations and through direct sponsorships to promote the visual and performing arts in Norman.
It is projected that as of June 30, 2014, the arts and humanities portion of the Room Tax will have an estimated fund balance of $94,408. Assuming that eight percent (8%) of projected allocations are held in reserve (as is the policy for most City funds), approximately $64,409 would be available in excess reserves for arts-related expenditures.
DISCUSSION: As discussed in the attached letter from NAC Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan, The Norman Arts Council Board of Directors has requested an appropriation of $2,000 of available Room Tax Fund balance to match private funding raised by the Oklahoma State Arts Conference Host Committee. Norman has been selected as the host city for the annual State Arts Conference, which will be attended by arts council members from dozens of municipalities from throughout the state, as well as state and national artists, speakers, and dignitaries. The funds will be used to send out personalized invitations to potential attendees, to encourage them to extend their stay in Norman and t...
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