Airport authority shows surplus in revenues for 2016
DUNBAR TWP. — An increase in fuel sales and aircraft hangars at full capacity has the Fayette County Airport Authority seeing more than $60,000 in black ink in the 2016 spending plan.
In unanimous action of those present at last week’s meeting, the board approved expenditures of $315,335 and revenue of $375,721.
“We had a good 2015 and look forward to an even better 2016,” said John “Bud” Neckerauer, airport manager.
The anticipated overall income figure is nearly $100,000 more than listed in the 2015 budget.
“When we were doing the budget last year, we had a lot of empty hangars,” said Neckerauer. “Not only are they now full, but we have a waiting list.”
While the authority is poised to add small and corporate hangars at the county facility in 2016, Neckerauer said that the budget did not include the potential income.
“They are not built and will not generate any revenue until they are,” he said. “Hopefully, that will be revenue we can add in the 2017 budget.”
According to the revenue portion of the budget, the authority anticipates the receipt of $34,500 in office space rent, up from $19,864 in 2015. Land rent will increase by about $9,000 and hangar rental will increase from $100,000 to $130,000.
The expenditure for utilities will remain at about 2015 levels, according to the spending plan, with combined legal and auditing fees increasing by about $15,000 over last year.
Wages and related employee benefits will increase about $12,000.
“There were some increases in wages this year,” said Neckerauer, adding that the board is pleased with the work product of the current employees and wants to retain their employment at the airport. “We have good people and we want to keep them.”
Because the airport is in a better financial and physicial condition than in prior years, Neckerauer said that the board is hoping to lure other aeronautic businesses to the site.
“We’re doing better,” he said.
Board Chairman Bill Gerke, vice-Chairman Joe Maher and Treasurer Sam Cortis approved the budget. Board members John Cofchin and Phillip Holt were not in attendance.