Tourism committee must have council permission before expenditures

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Town Council was serious when they created a policy that the Discover Columbus committee has to get permission prior to spending any money — regardless of the sum.

The council met last week and approved a $9 reimbursement to a committee member for Christmas decorations, but not before a lengthy discussion.

Earlier this year, council approved budgeting $6,000 for Discover Columbus, the town’s tourism committee, as well as a policy last month that all expenditures must have prior approval.

Councilman Robert Williamson, who is also with Discover Columbus, asked for a reimbursement to a member who spent $9 on Christmas decorations.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a quarter,” said Councilwoman Margaret Metcalf.

Williamson said Discover Columbus is not asking for any more money. He said Discover Columbus had a budget line item for Christmas activities and the committee is asking that the person be reimbursed for spending the $9.

Councilman Mark Phillips said the committee was told to bring items before council before any money is spent.

“I’ll second [the motion], but I’m not going to do it after a receipt again,” Phillips said.

Metcalf said if it happens again, whoever made the expenditure will just have to pocket it. She said it is not fair to have to reimburse something the council did not approve beforehand.

Columbus Mayor Eric McIntyre said he agrees with the rest of council in that it looks like money was spent prior to approval.

“It’s only $9, but it’s the principle of the thing,” McIntyre said. “And I know it’s only $9, but if that had been $300 we may have had an issue.”

McIntyre suggested Discover Columbus come to the council even if members do not know exactly how much something is going to cost.

“Let’s follow that down the road,” McIntyre said. “As stewards of the town, when we set rules, we have to abide by them. I do appreciate everything that everybody does for the town, especially around Christmas.”

Discover Columbus members attended the meeting and asked when the decision on the pre-approval was made. The council made the decision on Nov. 15. Committee members said they misunderstood and thought they had to get approval from the council before actually paying for something.

Metcalf said she thinks the council needs to take another look at having the $6,000 budget line item for Discover Columbus, because people think because it is in the account, they can spend it any way.

“I think we need to take it back, and that way, we have full control,” Metcalf said. “There’s so much animosity this way. Whether you like it or not, you have to follow the rules, and you’re not. We are serious about this. You cannot go out and spend money without letting the council know what you are going to do.”

Williamson said he promises Discover Columbus is not frivolous in spending the town’s money.

Later in the meeting, the council approved Discover Columbus giving the Columbus Fire Department $600 out of its budget to help reimburse the department for the Christmas parade and Hometown Christmas event at Stearns Park.