NEW KNOXVILLE – The Auglaize County Airport Authority (ACAA) approved the airport’s 2023 budget and approved several repair items at their Oct. 11 meeting.
The ACAA approved 2023 budget as presented by finance officer Mark Howe. It showed expenses would remain approximately the same as the year before, at $232,725. Total income that year is projected to be $242,550. Total net profit is projected at $12,753. He explained the total profit was down from previous years due to a lack of COVID grant money. For example, last year the airport budget saw a net income of $189,632. He said the county receives FAA or ODOT grant monies, which is displayed on their books, as they are the airport owner and sponsor.
Howe also reported that the state audit had been concluded. He said part of the state’s recommendations, the airport will continue to work on a records retention schedule filing with Ohio History Connection.
Neil Armstrong Airport Manager Ted Bergstrom told the group about current planning for the Monday, April 8, 2024, Eclipse celebration. He said they have reached out to the FAA for advice about his plans for traffic management. Also, he is in the beginning stages of a parking plan, with all aircraft and vehicle to remain on pavement. He added he has tentatively scheduled a DJ and is looking to have food trucks. He is working with the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber to find sufficient solar glasses.
The ACAA approved two purchases. The first was $4,425 to purchase north garage doors for airport shop and to do other door repairs by Denny’s Door Sales. The second was to purchase three Dell computers for $2,977.17 and software for $311.85. The purchase replaces three older units.
Bergstrom also reported that 100 low lead fuel was $7.45 per gallon with a current reserve of 9,200 gallons. Jet A fuel stood at $6 per gallon with a reserve of 7,700 gallons.
The airport manager also said he was looking at estimates to repair the sidewalk and apron sections at Hangar I. At Hangar H, he is working with Baumer Construction to get started on the exterior. Hangar F had ceiling lighting installed in lounge room. The bathroom lighting, toilet, and vanity still need to be installed.
He said the pusher snow blade is on order at a cost of $7,334.
All phases of the ODOT ramp project construction is complete, according to Bergsrom. The state agency is expected to be out Oct. 27 for final walkthrough.
Finally, he said the EAA Pancake Breakfast on Sept 24 resulted in five aircraft arrivals and about 30 patrons having breakfast.
