But City Leaders Say The Tab Is Covered By The City's Hotel, Motel Tax

The city of Davenport, IA has raised the rent it charges to the organizers of the Quad City Airshow from $8,000 to $25,000 ... but says the city pays the entire tab through its hotel, motel tax.

The issue has been simmering for more than a year, according to a report from television station KWQC. Wednesday night, the City Aldermen voted to increase the rent by 212 percent because the costs to put on the air show have dramatically increased.

When the rent was originally established 22 years ago, city leaders say it was probably a fair estimate for the cost of having the air show. but Some aldermen say here has been overspending on the budget line established for the air show, and others said that the $44,000 salary for Ken Hopper, the president of the Quad City Airshow organization which puts on the event, was an item of concern.

Alderman Bill Edmond told the station that the Quad City Airshow organization does not pay its own rent in any case. "The City of Davenport picks up the entire tab. We pay for it out of our hotel, motel tax."

Ticket prices for the air show are not expected to increase. The airport where the show is staged is in an enterprise zone, and city leaders say the rent increase will help it be self-sufficient to meet the requirements of the zone.

The show will be held June 22-23.

FMI: www.quadcityairshow.com/2013/index.html