Commissioner Foster questions million-dollar hangar amid budgetary cuts and losses

During the Wayne County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around the county's budget, particularly regarding the allocation of funds to various departments and the justification for a proposed million-dollar jet hangar at the local airport.

Commissioner Foster raised concerns about the prioritization of the hangar project, questioning its necessity given the county's current financial constraints. He pointed out that while other departments had submitted requests for essential items, many of these requests were not funded, yet the airport board's recommendation for the hangar remained intact. Foster emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to budgeting, suggesting that funds could be better utilized for shared vehicles for emergency services rather than investing in infrastructure that serves a limited number of users.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing financial challenges faced by the county, particularly with the airport and the Maxwell Center, both of which have been operating at a loss. Foster's comments underscored a broader concern about fiscal responsibility and the need for the board to reassess its spending priorities. He argued that the county should not continue to operate in the red for extended periods, likening the situation to running a business that cannot sustain ongoing losses.

The meeting concluded without a resolution to the budgetary concerns raised, leaving open questions about how the county will address its financial challenges moving forward. The discussions reflect a growing tension between the need for infrastructure development and the imperative of maintaining fiscal health, a balancing act that will likely continue to shape future meetings and decisions by the board.