File #: R-1213-96    Version: 1 Name: R-1213-96 appropriation from the Room Tax Fund
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 1/30/2013 In control: City Council
On agenda: 2/12/2013 Final action: 2/12/2013
Title: RESOLUTION NO. R-1213-96: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $34,900 FROM THE ROOM TAX FUND BALANCE TO BE USED BY THE NORMAN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, INC., (NCVB) TO FUND A “CALL TO ACTION” CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE POTENTIAL VISITORS, PRODUCTION OF A VIDEO PROMOTING NORMAN, AND PARTICIPATION IN A WEB PORTAL FOR MEETING PLANNERS AND EXECUTIVES.
Attachments: 1. Text File Room Tax Appropriation, 2. Memo from NCVB, 3. R-1213-96
Title
RESOLUTION NO. R-1213-96: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $34,900 FROM THE ROOM TAX FUND BALANCE TO BE USED BY THE NORMAN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, INC., (NCVB) TO FUND A “CALL TO ACTION” CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE POTENTIAL VISITORS, PRODUCTION OF A VIDEO PROMOTING NORMAN, AND PARTICIPATION IN A WEB PORTAL FOR MEETING PLANNERS AND EXECUTIVES.

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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, after the retention of 3% for administering the tax, 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, 2012, the convention and tourism portion of the Room Tax had a fund balance of $89,543. Assuming that eight percent (8%) of projected allocations are held in reserve (as is the policy for most City funds), approximately $45,466 is available in “excess” reserves for NCVB expenditures.

DISCUSSION: As discussed in the attached letter from NCVB Executive Director Stephen Koranda, the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors has requested the appropriation of $34,900 of available Room Tax Fund balance for various convention and visitation attraction purposes:

· “Call to Action Campaign” $17,000
· Video Production $ 4,000
· On-Line (Web) Advertising $ 8,900
· Request for Proposal Form Production $ 5,000

RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that an appropriation of $34,900 from the Room Tax Fund balance (account 023-0000-253.20-00) to Visitor’s Bure...

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