Council approves airport appropriation; staff report outlines taxiway, AWOS and branding work

The DeKalb County Council approved an appropriation for airport building‑fund spending and received a progress report on runway/taxiway work and equipment at Auburn DeKalb Executive Airport on June 11.

The council approved $989,755.78 to be appropriated in the airport’s cumulative building fund to purchase a new multipurpose snow‑removal machine; the staff explanation said the equipment was moved from an original rainy‑day plan to the building fund and required an appropriation into that specific fund before spending. The motion passed by voice vote.

Airport Authority representative Randy Fox updated the council on operations and capital projects. He reported the automated weather observation system (AWOS) is operational, a new tip‑down beacon tower was installed (the old tower was dismantled due to proximity to power lines and safety concerns), and a tractor delivered June 3 is in service with staff training underway. Fox said taxiway paving and lighting work is scheduled this summer and that runway resurfacing (mill and overlay of older pavement) is planned for next summer with FAA funding expected to support major projects.

“Once the taxiway is done, you’ll be able to stay clear of the runway until you’re actually ready to leave,” Fox said, describing how the work will permit normal taxi operations for the runway’s full length instead of back‑taxiing at one end.

Fox also described steady fuel and service activity by Sweet Aviation at the field, annual maintenance and parachute repacking services performed at the airport, and potential future service centers, including an Entron helicopter service presence under local ownership.

The council did not place any additional conditions on the appropriation and moved on to subsequent agenda items.