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Committee approves airport department fiscal year 2026 budget, earmarks fund balance for property renovation and FAA compliance work
Summary
The committee approved the airport department's FY2026 proposed budget after staff review. The plan uses approximately $550,000 of prior-year fund balance for facility renovation and FAA-compliance demolition, budgets capital equipment and reflects anticipated grant reimbursements.
The Beaufort County airport committee voted to approve the airport department’s fiscal year 2026 proposed budget following a line-by-line review by staff and finance.
The vote matters because the budget sets operating and capital priorities, identifies planned uses of prior-year fund balance and makes funds available to begin renovation and FAA-compliance work on airport-owned properties.
Brian, airport finance lead, presented the budget and highlighted major variances and assumptions. He told the committee the proposed revenue side includes an estimated $550,000 drawn from the prior-year fund balance to be allocated to two projects: a potential $250,000 allowance for renovating 26 Hunter Road and approximately $300,000 for building demolition needed for FAA compliance and clearance along the airport’s west side. Brian described the $550,000 as “prior year fund balance excess” allocated so funds will be liquid and available for invoices tied to those projects.
On operational items, the FY26 budget reflects increases in charges-for-service driven by projected cost-recovery fees, an adjusted personnel estimate pending final county salary figures, and a larger supplies line to avoid mid-year transfers. Capital equipment was initially budgeted around $861,000 but staff said that number will change once the personnel line is finalized; a working capital/capital safety net of about $536,000 was presented for necessary replacements and contingencies. Brian noted the airport’s pooled cash and equity balance is approximately $2.7 million on the balance sheet.
Committee members asked whether airport enterprise funds could be used for county general purposes. John clarified that federal law and sponsor assurances prevent airport enterprise funds from being transferred for general county use. “It is illegal to do that,” John said when asked whether pooled cash could be redirected to the county general fund.
A motion to approve the budget was made and seconded; committee members indicated no opposition and the chairman announced the budget passed.
The committee was told grant-line items are moving quickly because staff now submits grant-reimbursement draws as invoices are paid rather than waiting months; members were credited with improved cash position because of that practice. Staff said some capital project start dates remain contingent on permitting and external approvals, and that specific project timelines will be reported back to the committee as they firm up.
The committee approved the budget and directed staff to continue its work to finalize personnel figures with county finance and to return with updates on project schedules and grant reimbursements.
