DEPARTMENT: San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Casandra Matej
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-Wide
SUBJECT:
Partnership Agreement and Local Contribution for Reimbursable Event
SUMMARY:
This ordinance is:
A. Authorizing $24,698.00 from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Fund o provide funds for a local contribution in anticipation of reimbursement of up to $179,056.00 from the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts for eligible expenses related to 2013 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, and
B. Authorizing the execution of a Partnership Agreement with San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) to act on City's behalf to solicit, bid and host the 2013 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships and for City to provide reimbursement of expenses totaling up to $154,358.00 contingent on State Reimbursement to the City for the 2013 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, and authorizing payment.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Events Trust Fund legislation (Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, 5190.14) provides municipalities and counties the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for eligible expenses related to hosting and attracting high-visibility, high-tax-impact events to the state of Texas that could otherwise take place outside of the State. Reimbursable dollars are based on the anticipated tax gain for a particular event. In order to obtain reimbursement for eligible expenses, municipalities are required to match funds that are deposited in the Events Trust Fund on a 1:6.25.
The City of San Antonio has participated in this program for both convention and sporting events and has received sales tax reimbursement from the Events Trust Fund related to the 2011 U.S Trampoline and Tumbling Junior Olympic Championships, Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon, and the Big 12 Football Conference Championship. The same process is being followed in obtaining the reimbursement for the 2013 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships.
ISSUE:
The 2013 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships will take place on December 14, 2013 and will be held at the National Shooting Complex. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is working with Bexar County and SALOC on this event which will afford the San Antonio community a great opportunity to see the Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships while receiving national exposure as the host city.
In August 2013, the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts notified the City of its eligibility to obtain reimbursement of up to $179,056.00 when matched by City funds in an amount up to $24,698.00.
The Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with SALOC to submit qualified expenses in an amount sufficient to meet the reimbursement requirements set forth by the statute and authorized by the State Comptroller. The expenses incurred by SALOC typically include venue set-up, rental, security, staffing, officials' accommodations, media hospitality, advertising and community outreach, amongst others.
The expenses that will be incurred by SALOC that are potentially eligible for this program may sum up to $154,358.00 and when matched with the City's contribution of $24,698.00 affords the reimbursement from the Events Trust Fund totaling up to $179,056.00.
ALTERNATIVES:
In order to obtain reimbursement for eligible expenses, the City must deposit the matching funds identified. If the matching funds are not deposited within the Events Trust Fund, the City loses its opportunity to obtain reimbursement for some of the expenses related to the 2013 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes funds in the amount of $24,698.00 from Convention and Visitor's Bureau Fund. Upon receipt of the reimbursement from the State, those funds will be deposited back into the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Fund and a reimbursement shall be subsequently paid to SALOC for their portion of incurred expenses towards this event.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the local contribution in the amount of $24,698.00 to the Events Trust Fund and approval of the partnership agreement with SALOC to assist in ensuring San Antonio continues to be a premier host city in attracting major sporting events.