Legislature extends Air Service Board and approves airport budget adjustments; airport debt proposals spark debate

Legislators unanimously approved a budget adjustment for the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to cover increased utility costs and a resolution to extend and make permanent the Air Service Board.

Facilities Chair Lee Shirtliff moved the airport budget adjustment, which passed without opposition. Members later considered making the Air Service Board a standing advisory board beyond its usual five‑year renewal cycle; Greg Mezzie’s amendment to make the board permanent was accepted and the amended resolution passed unanimously.

A separate proposal from Legislator Mike Sigler sought to move $11.1 million of airport debt onto county books to free roughly $684,000 in annual airport debt service, enabling the airport to reduce employment fees and boost competitiveness. That proposal generated extensive debate about timing, fiscal implications and reserve accounting; members discussed options including using a county debt service reserve or capital reserve. Finance staff said the county’s debt reserve balance and reserve policy would limit immediate transfers, and several legislators urged further study. Sigler withdrew the motion after the discussion.

Members asked for a more studied capital approach to airport funding and for the Air Service Board to advise on long‑term options.