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COLUMBUS — The City Council made several resolutions that involve funding for different initiatives in the city. Not only did the council approve resolutions to contribute funding for the “Save Our Opera House” campaign, but they also approved a few grants that assist funds in that campaign as well as the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department.
Combined with the grant funding contributed by the Columbus Community and Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC) for $52,660, Columbus reached the $100,000 mark to secure a matching donation from an anonymous donor to the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust for a total of $200,000.
The city’s $47,340 contribution from hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds, the matching donation and the grant will be used for construction of upstairs restrooms in the R.E. Stafford Opera House. Many referred to the opera house as a “crown jewel of the community”, leading to a quick and unanimous approval of both the grant and the donation funds.
HOT funds were also a major topic for the Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism department as the Chamber and the City have entered an agreement to contribute more of those funds to Columbus tourism. The department will receive $223,125 split into two payments from the available HOT funds.
It will go towards the construction, operation and maintenance of convention centers and visitor information booths; advertisements and promotion programs to encourage tourism; and the furnishing for facilities as well as personnel and materials.
The last of the financial discussion was in regard to the CVFD as the City accepted a CCIDC grant for $30,000 to contribute to the preparation of a fire engine that, if purchased, will soon be in transit. With the grant contributions, the CVFD will need to contribute $129,000 of their own funding to finish the purchase.
In other business, several upcoming events will close local streets throughout the proceedings: Milam Street from Harbert Street to Spring Street will be closed on Nov. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Lighted Christmas Parade.
Spring Street from Milam Street to the Trefney Law Office at 415 Spring St. Will be closed on Dec. 7 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for Ladies’ Night Out.
Wallace Street from Bowie Street to Live Oak Street will be closed on Dec. 12 for the Lady of Guadalupe Parade and celebration. The City also approved the use of the sidewalks on these streets for the feast.
The next Columbus City Council meeting will be Nov. 13 at the Municipal Court at 1538 Fannin St. at 5:30 p.m.
