Terry Beacham

The Bartow Municipal Airport Development Authority's FY 2025-2026 budget was reviewed and approved. Key discussion points included income from building and land rent, insurance collections, and grant funding from FDOT and FAA. Expenses covered salaries, payroll taxes, professional services, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. Capital outlay included equipment purchases like a John Deere cab tractor and a Jet A Truck, admin/FBO remodeling, and runway rehabilitation.

The meeting included a roll call and introductions, followed by a review of the minutes from the previous meeting. The floor was opened for questions, petitions, and communications from the public. The Executive Director presented the June 2023 Financial Statement, the proposed FY 2023-2024 Budget, and the Quarterly Report. There was also time reserved for the Airport Attorney to speak, and discussions of old and new business. The agenda included a resolution to adopt the 2023-2024 proposed budget.

The Bartow Airport Authority held a regular meeting to discuss financial matters, the proposed FY 2023-2024 budget, and other airport-related business. The June 2023 financial statement was reviewed, highlighting ongoing hurricane damage repairs and the first disbursement for remote digital towers. The proposed budget, assuming a 4% inflation rate, included a new lease agreement with the Department of Military Affairs. Funding assistance for school bus transport to the Polk County Aerospace Museum was discussed, along with sponsorships, a professional hangar rate survey, and a cost-of-living adjustment for staff. The board addressed rising insurance costs and considered family insurance plan options for employees. The need to repaint the T-37 Static Display was also discussed.

The meeting included a roll call and introductions, followed by consideration of questions from the floor, petitions, and communications. The Executive Director presented the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Auditor's Report and Financial Statement, discussed the Consumer Price Index, and reviewed the January and February 2025 Financial Statements, the 1st Quarter Report, and the Corrected 2024 End of Year Report. A proposal was made to transition Airport Authority Meetings to Bi-Monthly. Resolutions were discussed regarding leases with Auto PNC, LLC, and Adept Community Services, Inc., as well as additional funding for Industrial Park Building Repairs and adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget for Property Tax Revenue and Expense.

This Master Plan for Bartow Executive Airport outlines a 20-year development program to maintain a safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally acceptable airport facility. It focuses on assessing existing conditions, forecasting aviation activity, defining future needs, and developing cost-effective options. The plan's strategic direction includes ensuring orderly development, complying with regulatory standards, providing operational flexibility, enhancing the airport's community role, and addressing aviation, environmental, and socioeconomic issues.