Village board approves $12.6M capital plan and airport budget that includes $5M for aviation community center

The Village of Wheeling board on April 21 approved the Chicago Executive Airport fiscal year 2026 budget, including capital projects and planning funds for a proposed aviation community center.

Jeffrey Miller, executive director of Chicago Executive Airport, told the board the airport will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026 and has budgeted planning and events tied to that milestone. He said the budget includes planning for an "aviation community center" that he described as a potential showpiece for Wheeling and Prospect Heights.

Jason Griffith, who presented the budget details, described the FY26 goals as maintaining the airport as a premier general aviation facility while remaining financially self-sufficient and managing operating expenses.

Key figures presented to the board: - Budgeted FY revenues: about $8.8 million (a roughly 18 percent increase from last year's budget, driven largely by increased jet fuel flowage fees and lease increases). - Budgeted operating expenses: about $5.9 million (a $432,000, or about 7.88 percent, increase). - Net change after reserve transfers and self-funded capital: a loss of approximately $701,000. - Capital construction earmarked for an aviation community center: $5,000,000 (local planning and reserve transfers intended to minimize debt service). - Airport capital A projects (total): $12,600,000, with a local share of $560,000 listed in the budget submission.

Griffith outlined the airport's reserve funds and liquidity requirements, and noted the airport maintains a target of 25 percent of operating expenses in reserve (about $1.5 million for FY26). Staff said the estimated running balance as of April 30, 2025, is roughly $4.6 million and meets debt covenant liquidity requirements.

The airport also budgeted for specific capital items and maintenance, including potential purchase of a large snow broom (previously a similar purchase cost about $750,000), funding for facility repairs, fencing and gate security improvements, and program continuation projects such as a master drainage study and apron expansions. The RSIP program remains listed as a standalone program with grant revenues and a small local share based on state participation.

Trustee Vogel moved to approve the airport budget; Trustee Papantos seconded. The roll call vote recorded unanimous approval from the trustees present.

Board members asked several operational questions, including about a new standby ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) service for certain flights; staff said fees for that service will be collected by the airport and paid to the Village of Wheeling Fire Department and that the airport has budgeted $30,000 as an estimate for initial fee revenue. Chief Saleh (Wheeling Fire Department) indicated the department and airport had agreed to terms and that specific rates could be provided.