Vero Beach council approves indemnity amendment for Corporate Air customs facility

The Vero Beach City Council on May 13 approved a resolution authorizing an amendment to the indemnity agreement with Corporate Air, Inc., tied to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection user-fee facility at Vero Beach Regional Airport.

Harry Howe, who identified himself as a member of Corporate Air’s board, told the council the company has partnered with the city for about 35 years and said the customs facility project is essentially complete. "We are willing to agree to give the city a $75,000 cash, bond," Howe said during public comment. Council discussion included operational questions and anticipation that the first customs clearance could come quickly once federal approvals are complete.

City staff said Customs and Border Protection and the FAA were participating in final steps. After brief questions from council members, the council approved the resolution by roll call, with the vote recorded as 4–0 in favor.

The measure authorizes the city to finalize the amendment as shown in the meeting exhibit and establishes an effective date as provided in the contract document. Council members noted Corporate Air is the airport’s largest fixed-base operator and cited the company’s philanthropic involvement in local events.

The council did not identify any outstanding legal conditions beyond the contractual attachment; staff said federal certification steps were ongoing. The council did not discuss any fiscal appropriation tied directly to the amendment at the meeting.

The resolution takes effect per the document provided to council and will be executed by staff as authorized.