Cole County approves $25,000 participation in COU air‑service guarantee for new Charlotte route

Cole County commissioners on Dec. 23 approved a $25,000 participation payment toward a Service Guarantee Participation Agreement with COU connected to a new American Airlines route to Charlotte, N.C.

The item was introduced by Speaker 2 (Unidentified Speaker), who said, “American Airlines is adding a new route to, Charlotte, North Carolina.” Commissioners discussed who would fund the guarantee and whether the county should pay from the 2025 budget via a contingency request or budget the amount in 2026. Speaker 8 (Unidentified Speaker) confirmed either approach was possible: the payment could be charged to a 2025 contingency or be added to next year’s economic development line.

Commissioner Speaker 5 (Unidentified Speaker) moved to record the $25,000 payment as a 2025 expenditure; Speaker 2 seconded. The board voted by voice to approve participation and the budget adjustment as proposed.

Why it matters: Small local participation payments like this are commonly used to underwrite new air service and attract carriers. The county’s $25,000 is a relatively modest contribution intended to support the airport’s efforts to expand routes; the transcript indicates the City of Columbia is covering additional costs but does not quantify the city’s share.

Next steps: The commissioners recorded the decision and completed the budget adjustment motion during the same meeting; no further public hearings on this item were announced in the transcript.