Title
A resolution confirming recommended expenditures from the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART) special fund for inclusion in the 2016 budget
Body
From:
Fred Veitch, Chair, LART Citizens’ Advisory Committee
Summary:
City Council’s Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART) Citizens’ Advisory Committee has reviewed and considered proposals from a variety of events and organizations for tourism-related projects to be funded from the City’s LART Special Fund. The Committee recommends certain of those projects for inclusion in the 2016 budget.
Previous Council Action:
There have been no previous City Council actions relating to the LART Committee’s recommendations for the 2016 budget.
Background:
The City imposes a Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax on the purchase of lodging, automobile rentals, and the rental of campground space within the City limits. The revenue derived from the LART tax may be expended for the purpose of tourism promotion in the City and the Pikes Peak Region . The City Council has appointed a LART Citizen Advisory Committee, the purpose of which is to provide recommendations to City Council for such projects to include in the City's budget. The Committee has reviewed applications for LART funding from a variety of submitters, and its recommendations are included in the referenced Exhibit A.
Financial Implications:
The total anticipated revenues from LART in 2016 is $4,873,600, and the total expenditures the LART Committee recommends is $4,740,902, leaving an amount available to be appropriated of $132.698.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The LART Committee recommends the inclusion of the projects listed in Exhibit A in the 2016 budget.
Stakeholder Process:
The LART Committee met a number of times during 2015 with City Council and executive branch staff to continue revising and clarifying the guidelines, application process, and award criteria for LART funds, and to review applications and hear presentations from applicants for LART funds for 2016.
Alternatives:
The LART Committee recommends that City Council approve the projects listed in Exhibit A and that they be forwarded to the Mayor to include in the 2016 budget. Alternatively, City Council could alter or decline to approve the recommended projects.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Approve the attached resolution when it is presented at the September 22, 2015 regular City Council meeting.
Ordinance Language
N/A