Airport Authority concludes 2012 budget process

Executive Director Edward R. Wuellner announced to local Historic City News reporters that during last evening’s meeting, the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority voted not to assess ad valorem taxes.

When TRIM notices were distributed by the St. Johns County Property Appraiser’s office last month, Historic City News reported the proposed “zero millage”.

At their final public hearing last night, following a unanimous vote, the elected members of the Authority made it “official”.

The vote marks the beginning of a second full-year of self-sustenance for the taxing district.

After quickly dispatching the ad valorem matter, the Authority adopted a final budget of $12,979,907 for the upcoming 2011-12 fiscal year.

“We are excited to again be able to continue the projects and programs important to our community without the need for local taxes,” says Kelly Barrera, Chairman of the Airport Authority.

Making up nearly half of the Authority’s Budget next year is the recently funded “Taxiway B and Safety Area Restoration” project.

The $6.5 million project is being majority funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through a grant exclusively facilitated by aviation fuel users and taxes on the sale of airline passenger tickets.

“The Aviation Trust Fund is an essential component of the funding of airport capital projects throughout the nation.” Barrera continued; “We would like to thank the FAA and FDOT, as well as, Rep. John Mica for their continual support of the airport as a vital community and economic asset.”