Charlotte County Airport Authority is preparing to unveil a preliminary 2025-26 budget that includes salary increases and higher hangar fees, aiming to curb employee turnover and offset rising insurance costs.
During a July 31 workshop, commissioners and Punta Gorda Airport CEO James Parish reviewed key changes that will be presented at the Aug. 21 budget hearing.
Commission Chair Robert Hancik said tenants have complained that the airport has inconsistent staffing. “Employees are leaving to work at Walmart and McDonald’s for $1 more an hour,” he said. Parish added that a salary study is underway, and its recommendations will be reflected in the preliminary budget later in the month.
Insurance costs have sharply affected the budget.
The cost for insuring a hangar is $16,000 per year for a total of $198,976, Parish said, adding that 20 years ago it cost $250,000 to insure the entire airport.
T-hangar rates, currently at $311 per month, will rise incrementally, reaching $600 by 2028. Hangars with hydroelectric doors will incur higher fees. The increases will take effect upon lease renewal. Parish acknowledged that some tenants may leave but noted a waiting list of nearly 100 people.
The Florida Department of Transportation funded 50% of the hangars years ago to promote general aviation. However, Parish said that now about half of the hangar doors in two buildings need to be replaced at a cost of $60,000 each.
Meanwhile, airport fuel sales remain flat, totaling about $13,000 for the year, as many tenants are not actively flying.
The airport authority recently took over advertising and marketing and will hire more personnel to sell ads, which will also factor into the budget.
Industrial park leases have slightly increased, with larger businesses beginning to move in. Revenue from Allegiant Air-related operations has remained stable.
Airport expansion continues, with projects including an inline baggage handling system, an 18,000-square-foot car rental building, a 14,400-square-foot maintenance and operations facility and plans to secure an operator for a full-service restaurant and bar in the Air Center.
Parish said the airport’s outlook is positive — assuming no major storm disruptions this hurricane season.
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