Council delays $4.3 million funding decision for Buford Executive Airport hangars to seek alternative sources

Beaufort County Council on Jan. 13 postponed consideration of a second-reading ordinance that would have authorized the use of $4.3 million in general-fund balance to construct aircraft hangars at Buford Executive Airport.

A council member moved to postpone the measure until staff could present alternative funding options that would avoid or reduce use of the general fund balance. County staff and airport representatives said they were exploring options that would not increase the county's net deficit position; staff requested time to develop and present those alternatives and to address concerns council raised at first reading.

County staff said they had discussed potential alternatives with airport staff and with outside consultants and would prepare a recommendation for a future council meeting. Council members identified scheduling constraints: staff noted the next feasible council return on the matter would likely be in February because the finance committee schedule will not accommodate an earlier review.

Council clarified that postponement does not kill the airport project; it delays the funding decision so alternative financing strategies can be evaluated. The motion to postpone was seconded and carried; no final funding action was taken at the meeting.

Council asked staff to prepare the alternatives and return with proposed ordinance amendments or a revised funding plan for a later council meeting.