Sacramento Board approves $1 increase for airport rental car facility charges

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on two significant agenda items: an increase in the customer facility charge for airport rental cars and a conditional loan commitment for the Shiloh Arms Apartment project.

The first item discussed was the proposal to raise the alternative per transaction day customer facility charge (CFC) from $8 to $9 for rental car companies at Sacramento International Airport. Chris Wimsatt, assistant director of airports, explained that this fee is regulated by state law and is intended to fund the design, financing, and construction of a new consolidated rental car facility. The increase is necessary due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising interest rates, which have affected rental car transactions and financial forecasts. An independent audit confirmed the reasonableness of the revenue assumptions supporting this increase. The board unanimously approved the increase, which is expected to take effect in February or March 2025.

The second major topic was the approval of a conditional loan commitment of $2,120,000 for the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shiloh Arms Apartments, which consist of 106 units. Whitney Hinton from the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency presented the request, highlighting the importance of federal assistance for the project. The board discussed potential impacts of a federal funding freeze on various programs, including the HOME funds that support this project. While there is uncertainty regarding the freeze's effects, the board expressed a willingness to explore legal options if necessary.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's efforts to enhance infrastructure at the airport and support affordable housing initiatives, while also navigating challenges posed by federal funding uncertainties.