By
John Sharp | jsharp@al.com
Press-Register
on October 30, 2012 at 4:59 PM
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Events Mobile Inc., which will be in charge of raising money and securing entertainment for MoonPie Over Mobile and other city activities, got its contract with the Mobile City Council approved Tuesday. (File photo)
MOBILE, Alabama – A non-profit organization will be able to
promote MoonPie Over Mobile, Kids Days in Bienville, Brown Bag in Bienville,
and other events, after the City Council today endorsed a performance contract
with the group.
With an unanimous vote, the council approved a $72,345
contract with Events Mobile Inc., so they can utilize sponsorship money to
promote events.
“Most cities promote (special events) through a non-profit
group,” Mayor Sam Jones said after the vote, saying the non-profit group will
be able to negotiate “better quality” entertainment for events like MoonPie
Over Mobile than having to go through government scrutiny.
“Going through the government’s process … they won’t
negotiate,” Jones said. “With a non-profit, you end up with a better quality
act at a cheaper cost.”
The council’s vote came after District 6 Councilwoman Bess
Rich questioned wording within the contract, saying parts of it should be more
specific.
“Would it be better if you listed the events you know you
want instead of ‘some city sponsored events,'” Rich said, citing the contract’s
wording. “Do you think we should be more specific?”
Jones later said he’s hopeful the non-profit group can bring
in more events.
“We’d like to have entertainment every day,” he said.
The council’s vote also comes one week after the vote was
held over after District 4 Councilman John Williams said other non-profit
groups should be treated equally as Events Mobile, which is supported by
representatives from Jones’ office.
“Only time will tell if (Jones) gives fair treatment to all
(non-profit groups),” Williams said after today’s meeting.
The formation of Events Mobile, and the subsequent
performance contract vote, comes less than a year after city officials were
criticized for the handling of the MoonPie celebration’s finances.
Public money for the event used to be included in a “500
account” within the city budget. Concerns about a lack of transparency within
that account led to the changes and the formation of Events Mobile.
This year’s Moon Pie, through various city accounts, will
get about $100,000 in tax money through the city’s 2013 budget. Additionally,
the council will vote on a separate contract for fireworks.
The city spent $123,000 total on last year’s Moon Pie drop,
with a majority of the costs on entertainment. No announcement has been made on
this year’s entertainment.
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