Peachtree City expects this year's Wings Over Dixie air show to be considerably more popular than last year's, which means an increase in the number of public safety officers needed for the show and more costs to the city.

In view of these needs, the City Council has approved funding for extra personnel to work during the event, with a provision for partial reimbursement based on profits from the show.

Because the show's featured performers, the Canadian Snowbirds, will be in Peachtree City for five days, a heavier commitment from the police and fire departments is required this year, according to city staff reports. Shows are set for Saturday and Sunday, May 13-14, but the Snowbirds will arrive in town Thursday and leave Monday.

The Snowbirds, considered by some to be the best air show team in existence, are expected to help attendance at this year's shows rise a great deal over last fall's total. Air show coordinators expect 25,000 over the two days, although some consider that a low estimate, reports indicate.

Council was advised that a minimum of $21,265 would be needed to compensate public safety officers for their work at the show over and above their normal duties.

The Fire Department's portion of that amount would include a $4,800 contribution to the Peachtree City Volunteer Firefighters Association for volunteer workers' involvement at the show, as well as $3,840 to compensate the career firefighters for their work during that time.

By obligating a minimum total of 17 volunteers and 11 career personnel (officers, firefighters, EMT/first responders and paramedics), the Fire Department expects 224 hours of additional service Saturday and Sunday. There will be no extra charge for Thursday, Friday or Monday.

For the Police Department, a total of 20 will be needed for about 505 man-hours for security and traffic control in the city limits. That adds up to $12,625 at the current rate of $25 per hour that off-duty police have been receiving for past air shows.

Councilman Annie McMenamin, who abstained from voting on this issue due to her position as cochairman of the air show, said that it would cost $200,000 to stage the show. She added that there will be competition that weekend from a road race at Sandy Creek High School, the annual Sharpsburg Festival, and soccer action at the city's south athletic complex.

Mayor Bob Lenox noted that the city obviously has a responsibility to be prepared for extra public safety needs and bear those costs, but he added that the show's high profit potential should be considered when determining how much responsibility Wings Over Dixie should shoulder for these costs.

Lenox suggested that the show's organizers set aside 5 percent of any profits realized from the show to reimburse the city for additional public safety costs. He made a motion in that regard, and it passed 4-0.

Not to be overlooked by the City Council was the prospect of high attendance figures at the air show being reflected in a significant increase in business at local hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other service businesses.

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