(a)     The city manager shall appoint a staff liaison to work with the committee.

    (b)     The committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(1)    Advise the city council on allocation of designated revenue for public communications services.

(2)     Determine the need for public communications services that will enhance the ability of Columbia citizens to learn about community issues and communicate with government officials.

(3)    With the assistance of the staff liaison, administer an objective, competitive process to solicit applications for funding, assess applicants’ ability to provide proposed services and recommend to the city council the appropriate service providers.  Recommendations shall be submitted to the city council as a part of the annual budget process.  If an applicant has previously received funding from the city for public communications services, the committee shall review the applicant’s performance before recommending additional funds.

(4)     Review, as necessary, the provision of public communications services in the City of Columbia and recommend measures for increasing effectiveness and efficiency whenever possible.

(5)    Perform other duties as directed by the city council.