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Hagerstown Regional Airport budget rises as Sierra Nevada expansion triggers ARFF staffing additions
Summary
County airport officials told commissioners FY27 airport operating costs will rise largely because of increased demand for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting services tied to Sierra Nevada's expanded contracts; the board approved adding two full-time and three part-time ARFF positions and other budget moves aimed at cost-neutrality via billable rates.
Washington County officials reported growing airport operations and a higher FY27 airport operating budget that they said is driven mainly by demand for standby Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services tied to expanded Sierra Nevada contracts.
Neil Doran, Airport Director, and Andrew Rushwan (Public Works) told the Board the FY27 airport operating budget is about $4.88 million with no general fund support; the year-over-year increase is largely attributed to standby ARFF services and related staffing and insurance costs. Officials said runway/terminal capital projects are also in progress, with a roughly $582,000 operating-to-capital transfer proposed to support non-grant-eligible projects and match grant funding.
Doran described programs that are increasing revenues — including billable ARFF standby fees, greater jet fuel sales and anticipated corporate hangar leases — and said airport staffing will expand incrementally to support airline operations, firefighting services and equipment maintenance. He told commissioners federal and state grants have driven about $15 million in capital project activity and that airport leadership is trying to balance one-time investments with sustainable operating revenue.
The board approved two staffing motions tied to ARFF needs: adding two full-time ARFF/maintenance positions and creating a three-person part-time pool to provide flexible coverage. Officials said the additions are intended to be cost-neutral because Sierra Nevada's contracts provide billable rates for standby services; extended-hour billable rates and overtime will offset personnel costs. The board voted 4-0 on both motions.
Officials also discussed longer-term capital needs, including a decades-old effort to replace the airport's air traffic control tower (construction estimated near $15 million) and ongoing repairs to a passenger boarding bridge and replacement crash truck procurement. Doran said the county had secured state funding for construction documents and continued to pursue federal and state sources for construction.
What happens next: Staff will implement the approved staffing changes, continue contract discussions to secure billable turnout and work to align capital project timing with available grants and matching funds.
