Beaufort County Council delays $4.3 million hangar funding for Buford Executive Airport

Beaufort County Council voted to postpone a decision on a proposed $4.3 million investment from the county’s general fund balance intended to construct aircraft hangars at Buford Executive Airport.

Vice Chair Paula Brown moved to delay the ordinance’s second reading until county staff could present alternative funding suggestions. "The staff is prepared to offer alternative funding suggestions for our consideration," Brown said when she introduced the motion. Council members debated timing and whether postponing would kill the project; staff said the item would return to council for a revised second reading rather than be remanded to committee.

CFO and staff representatives said they have discussed options that would avoid taking the full amount as a loan from the general fund balance. One staff member said the options remain preliminary and that presenting an alternative would take more than two weeks. Council members emphasized they did not intend to end the project but wanted to see funding approaches that would not unduly affect the county’s net position.

The council adopted the postponement, instructing staff to return with concrete alternatives and a timeline. No final funding decision was made; the item remains scheduled to come back to the council for further consideration.

What happens next: Staff will continue developing funding alternatives for council review; the item will return to the council for a revised second reading and subsequent votes.

Reporting from the meeting: Vice Chair Paula Brown moved the postponement; the motion was seconded and adopted by council.