The Bismarck City Commission voted unanimously Nov. 22 to approve a 1% tax increase on all airport car rental transactions.

The tax goes into effect at the Bismarck Municipal Airport beginning Jan. 6, 2006.

"We’re estimating that the tax will bring in up to $40,000," says City Administrator Bill Wocken. But, he says, revenues could be as low as $25,000.

Regardless of the estimate, $10,000 is guaranteed to go to the airport for additional marketing revenues. The difference – city officials are hoping for a balance closer to $30,000 - will be funneled to the Bismarck Civic Center.

Under the guidance of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the civic center will underwrite rates for groups coming to the area. As a marketing plan, the goal is to entice various entities to come into Bismarck.