Key West has remitted the $1.3 million it promised to cough up after the Vandenberg was on the ocean floor. Now the city wants artificial reef project organizers to repay it, according to its 2001 contract with them.

To that end, the city wants Artificial Reefs of the Keys to open its books and provide copies of contracts with all its revenue-generating partners, such as Valeo Films, which filmed and broadcast the sinking on the Internet.

"We are in the process of drafting formal notice in accordance with the contract to address the situation and receive their financial records," City Attorney Shawn Smith said Wednesday.

Smith did not know whether the nonprofit included in its partner contracts a required clause that said the city was second in line to receive any funding after the $8 million project costs were paid.

"Until such time as the city is fully reimbursed for its contribution, [the nonprofit] ... shall provide a copy of any proposed agreement related to the possible generation of any revenue related to the project to the city for approval prior to execution," the city's contract reads.

Smith said his office never received copies of contracts with Valeo Films, which was selling advertising on the Web site.

Some of the reimbursement money was to come from Sink Week fundraising revenue, but that amount may not be as much as once hoped. There was more talk of concerts, art shows and other events than actually came to fruition because the Sink Date was "a moving target," project founder Joe Weatherby said last week.

Some fundraisers took place throughout Sink Week at local bars and restaurants. They included raffles, drink specials and T-shirt sales.

Organizers say they don't yet know how much money those events raised.

"We haven't had time to sit down and work it all out, but we fully intend to honor our commitment to the city," Artificial Reefs of the Keys President Capt. Chris Norwood said, adding that the board will meet in the coming weeks to begin reviewing finances.

"We've enjoyed a close and productive relationship with the city," Weatherby said. "Everybody's been flexible and the city certainly will get its money once the project expenses are paid."

Commissioner Bill Verge called Weatherby an "honorable" man who constantly is working on new ideas to generate funding to help the city recoup its money.

Key West was the only entity to include such language in its contract. Monroe County and the Tourist Development Council also pledged money for the project.

mbolen@keysnews.com