On Tuesday night Bainbridge BikeFest representative Roy Reynolds asked the City Council for some help.
Mr Reynolds stated BikeFest is a non-profit, tax exempt corporation.
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He stressed that the BikeFest Board and staff work all year organizing the event and is done on a volunteer basis-no one receives any compensation for their service. There are also hundreds of volunteers who work the week of the event as well. All meetings, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, are open to the public.
BikeFest goal is to raise money for non-profits plus to have a positive impact on the economy of Decatur County. Over $500,000 has been given away and the event has brought in millions of dollars of tourism revenue to Bainbridge and Decatur County each year.
He stated there were few events in 1998 to compete with BikeFest, but now there is hardly a weekend that does not compete for tourism dollars.
Mr Reynolds asked the City to help support the event. He stated the provided list was several items he came up with, but felt there may be other help the City could offer to support BikeFest.
List of Suggestions to City
Be a cash sponsor of our 2007 event.
Include BikeFest in the list of organizations that are exempt from the city park use requirements.
Wave fees imposed by the City for Public Safety providing security for the event. Last year the security bill was $12,700 and we have budgeted $15,000 for 2007.
Assist with the development of an entertainment event park. BikeFest has purchased the land but needs help with permitting, land preparation, roads and facilities.
Give us your expertise in grant procurement.
Help stimulate the community to participate in BikeFest and share the benefit from tourist. Concerts, rummage sales, sidewalk sales, special events at motels, restaurants and lounges, etc.
Create a position of tourism event director to support all worthy events that bring tourist to Bainbridge. There is no reason that we can not have more events every year other than Artsfest, River Town Days, and BikeFest.
Mayor Harrell stated the city typically does not provide support for events they are not a part of but did say they would take a look at the suggestions.
What do you think? Should the City and County help a volunteer, non-profit organization that brings in millions in revenue and actually provides tens of thousands in tax money to the City, County and School System?
