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Commission hears budget and procurement briefing; braille vendor registered ahead of October meeting
Summary
City HR fiscal staff said the commission’s 2024 operating allocation of $10,000 was partially spent on interpreting services and that an FY2026 request includes $10,000; staff reported a braille vendor has completed city registration, allowing agendas in braille beginning in October.
City of Columbus fiscal staff briefed the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues on the commission’s operating budget and procurement process and staff reported a braille vendor was registered with the city in time for the commission’s October meeting.
Josh Davis, fiscal manager in the Department of Human Resources, told commissioners the commission had $10,000 encumbered at the time of the commission’s start in December 2024; approximately $4,540 had been spent on interpreting services to date, leaving about $5,460. Mr. Davis said a small contract for braille services was pending and that the commission’s proposed 2026 operating budget included a $10,000 request for CACD expenses split between materials and supplies and purchase services.
Davis described basic procurement rules: vendors must register with the city to receive payment; the Department of Human Resources and the council approve budget and appropriation decisions. He said whether the commission can spend more than its current appropriation depends on the availability of funds and the relevant fund appropriation.
Angie Wise, the City of Columbus ADA coordinator, told the commission that a braille vendor had submitted required paperwork and was registered as a city vendor as of the day before the meeting. That registration, she said, will allow the commission to provide agendas in braille beginning at the October meeting. Commissioners asked staff how the budget amounts are determined and how to request more funds; Davis explained the annual operating budget process and that council must approve appropriations.
The fiscal briefing included these clarifications: - 2024 encumbrance: $10,000 (budgeted when the commission began in December 2024); $4,540 spent to date on interpreting services, leaving approximately $5,460. - 2026 operating budget: $10,000 proposed for CACD expenses (mix of materials/supplies and purchase services). - Procurement: vendors must register with the city vendor portal before the city can issue payments.
Commissioners said they welcomed having a dedicated budget for the commission and asked what would happen to unspent funds; Davis said that outcome depends on whether funds were legislated with specific carryover rules, and that the city’s fiscal year is the calendar year (January–December).
The ADA coordinator also provided logistical updates: the commission’s October meeting will be October 23 and staff expect to move to the hearing room in the Michael B. Coleman Government Center; staff will confirm room technology and will circulate parking and access instructions to members.
Quotes “We encountered $10,000. Of that $10,000, we've spent $4,540, all of it on interpreting services … which remains $5,460 left to be spent,” Josh Davis, fiscal manager, said during the briefing.
Ending Staff said they will circulate vendor and budget information to commissioners and post updated accessibility guidance before the October meeting.
