Erie County appoints Gerald Guerra to joint airport board amid concerns over leases and transparency

President Shenigo and the Erie County commissioners unanimously appointed Gerald Guerra to the Erie-Ottawa International Airport Board on June 12, naming him the joint Erie and Ottawa counties appointee for a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2028.

The appointment followed extended remarks from commissioners about the airport’s governance. President Shenigo said Erie County has repeatedly proposed candidates that Ottawa County vetoed and voiced concern about ‘‘99-year leases with low rent, unauthorized hangar use for boat storage and residences, and lack of transparency regarding financial records.’’ He and Commissioner Old said Erie will continue to support FAA capital grants but no longer wants to subsidize operational expenses with taxpayer funds.

Gerald Guerra addressed the board and expressed commitment to the region and the airport’s economic role. According to the meeting record, Guerra said he sees value in the airport as an “economic and recreational gateway” and is eager to help manage it more like a business. Commissioners Old and Shoffner praised the director’s leadership and said a more business-oriented approach is needed.

County Administrator Hank Solowiej told the board Erie County ended operational funding for the airport in 2023, noting that the airport finished 2022 with a $169,000 deficit and finished 2024 with a $49,000 surplus. Solowiej said Erie County will continue to provide capital funding but expects the airport to operate without ongoing county operational subsidies.

The motion to appoint Guerra was made by Mr. Shoffner, seconded by Mr. Old and approved by roll call, recorded as "All Aye." The board also reiterated continued support for FAA grants while pressing for improved financial transparency and businesslike management of airport leases and hangar use.

The commission did not record any response on the record from Ottawa County representatives during the meeting.