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Ottumwa council approves Hertz lease at Atmore Regional Airport
Summary
The Ottumwa City Council unanimously passed Resolution 21‑2026 to lease airport terminal space to Hertz, restoring local rental‑car service and providing modest monthly revenue to the city; the lease includes office/counter space, a car‑wash bay, utilities and 20 parking spots, and is expected to begin Feb. 1.
The Ottumwa City Council on Jan. 28 approved Resolution 21‑2026 authorizing a lease with Hertz Corporation for space at Atmore Regional Airport, restoring rental‑car service the city has lacked since October 2024.
JD, a city department head who presented the lease, told the council the arrangement fills a regional gap: “there's no rental car service for 42 miles from Ottumwa,” and the new tenant will occupy office and customer‑service counter space, use a garage area for cleaning, and have up to 20 parking spaces. He said the lease rate is $1,118.66 per month and that utilities and Wi‑Fi will be provided.
Councilmembers asked where the customer counter would be located and whether remodeling would be required. JD said the counter will be in the ticket area and only minimal work is needed aside from running Wi‑Fi. He also noted the contract included a small typographical correction that staff had fixed before presentation.
Supporters on the council said the service benefits local businesses and spurs economic activity by keeping travelers in town. One councilmember described recent examples of visiting corporate groups who used city courtesy cars because no rental option was available, and said local restaurants and shops benefit when travelers stay in Ottumwa.
The council moved and seconded approval; the clerk recorded a unanimous roll call in favor: Councilmembers Hoffman, DuPray, Cabaniss, Reed, Galloway and Mayor Foot. JD told the council Hertz aims to begin operations Feb. 1 if the lease is executed.
Next steps: the signed lease will be finalized by city staff and the airport will prepare operational details with Hertz. The council moved immediately to the next agenda item, a lengthy discussion of Chapter 14 (fire prevention) and related fee changes.
