Airport authority marks sixth year off local tax roles

At their final public hearing last evening, the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority again voted not to assess ad valorem taxes.

What marks the sixth year of self-sustenance, the Authority made it official during its Final Budget Public Hearing held at the airport’s Conference Center. Following adoption of another “zero” millage resolution, the Authority adopted a final budget of $12,089,262 for the upcoming 2016-17 fiscal year.

“We are excited to be able to again demonstrate our commitment to remaining off of local taxes,” says Suzanne Green, Chairman of the Airport Authority. “This marks the sixth consecutive year that we have been able to approve a budget that does not require ad valorem taxes.”

Making up nearly two-thirds of the Authority’s Budget are several planned capital and planning focused projects aimed at improving Northeast Florida Regional Airport. These important projects are being majority funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation through grants from aviation user trust funds.

“The Aviation Trust Fund is an essential funding component of airport capital projects throughout the nation and we are grateful to the FAA and FDOT, as well as, Rep. Ron DeSantis for his continued support of the airport as a vital community and economic asset.” Chairman Green added.