Tourism commission tables decision on sponsorship request from Route 66 car-and-bike show organizer

Jimmy Jim Davis, who uses the stage name Jimmy Smooth, told the Pacific Tourism Commission that his annual car-and-bike show on historic Route 66 brings out-of-state visitors and donated $7,500 this year to Annie's Hope, a Kirkwood facility that supports families after a loss.

“I did not have City of Pacific put on them, so we took that off of these invoices,” Davis said, referring to several clothing invoices he submitted to the commission. He said the event has drawn attendees from states including Minnesota, Texas and Arizona and that organizers sell shirts and hats to raise additional donations.

Commissioners discussed whether the tourism bed-tax budget could cover sponsorships. A staff member summarized the commission’s internal approval thresholds: the tourism office can issue a check up to $500 without further signoff; amounts up to $1,000 require the mayor’s signoff; and requests above $1,000 must go to the Board of Aldermen for approval.

One commissioner said the commission should “send it to the board for approval and then regroup based on what they say,” and the board settled on asking staff to prepare a budget review before committing funds. A motion to table the donation and to review available bed-tax funds passed after a voice vote.

The commission encouraged Davis to return in April with an itemized proposal for shirts and hats and to coordinate with Brian Quick, who has been involved with the event. Commissioners noted that the tourism budget is modest and that sponsors and line-item timing affect what the commission can approve within the fiscal year.

The commission did not approve any funding at the meeting; it voted to table the matter pending a budget review and possible referral to the Board of Aldermen.