Airport Independence Day remembered

Historic City News readers will soon be receiving what is known as a “Truth in Millage” notice from the county Property Appraiser; and for all of us who are concerned about increases in millage — it bears mentioning that one taxing authority has managed to remain at zero mills.

Last August, Historic City News reported the celebration of elimination of an ad valorem tax levy by the St. Augustine Airport Authority. Over the past year, the Airport has shown that they are able to generate enough “user fee” income, rental income and grants to live within their tight budget. The “zero millage” assessment for the Airport will continue again this year.

One of those who pay rent to the Airport Authority is Historic City News. “To Executive Director Ed Wuellner, a lot of credit is due for keeping the Airport Authority off the tax rolls,” said Historic City News Editor Michael Gold. “The Conference Center at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport is one of the best-kept commercial and multi-purpose public facilities in the county and I am grateful to lease office space there on a long-term basis.”

Wuellner told Historic City News, “Current board members, past members of the Authority and the Airport Authority Staff, have all contributed to this success.”

In addition to Wuellner and other local and state dignitaries, on hand for the special “Airport Independence Day” signing ceremony last year were Chairman Kelly Barrera, Secretary Jim Werter, Carl Youman, Wayne George and Jack Gorman, as well as former members of the St. Augustine Airport Authority including Randy Brunson, Joseph Ciriello, Suzanne Green, James Carl Davis, Kenneth Forrester, Laurence Carnes, Susan Drago, Victor Martinelli and William Young, who signed the resolution recognizing this significant achievement.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer