Fulton airport tenants protest proposed 20% hangar rent increase amid lack of communication

The Fulton City Council convened on December 10, 2024, to address several key issues, primarily focusing on proposed adjustments to airport hangar rental rates. The meeting began with public comments, where David Holloball, treasurer of the Kingdom Pilots Association (KPA), expressed concerns regarding the lack of communication and consultation with hangar tenants about the proposed rate increases.

Holloball highlighted that discussions about hangar rent adjustments had been initiated in December of the previous year, but subsequent meetings had been canceled, leaving tenants without updates. He noted that the proposed 2025 rate book included significant increases in hangar rental rates, ranging from 19% to 22%, based on the Missouri Consumer Price Index (CPI). He criticized the lack of consideration for factors such as hangar aging and tenant improvements, suggesting that the CPI adjustments appeared to be applied selectively.

Lance Campbell, another airport tenant, echoed Holloball's sentiments, emphasizing that while tenants were open to moderate increases, a 20% hike was excessive. He pointed out that such an increase could drive pilots to seek more affordable options in neighboring communities, ultimately impacting the airport's activity and federal funding. Campbell urged the council to consider a more competitive pricing strategy, proposing that the city adopt a standard T hangar model for rate comparisons and maintain rates within 5% of surrounding airports.

The discussions underscored a broader concern among tenants regarding the future of the airport and the need for a comprehensive growth plan. Both Holloball and Campbell called for a deferral of the proposed rate adjustments until further discussions could take place, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure the airport's viability and success.

The meeting concluded without immediate resolutions, leaving the future of hangar rental rates and the airport's strategic direction uncertain. The council's next steps remain to be seen as stakeholders await further engagement on these critical issues.