The DuPage Airport Authority Board approved a revised $23.8 million budget Monday that adds $800,000 to a reserve fund that officials say could pay off the airport’s long-term debt earlier than anticipated.
The budget amount remains the same, but the new spending plan cuts $725,000 from funds earmarked for repairs and maintenance at the West Chicago airfield. It also reduces by $75,000 the amount that had been set aside for new equipment.
Airport officials revised this year’s budget in response to pressure from DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom, who had urged that all of the $6.5 million the airport collects annually in property-tax revenues be used to meet debt obligations.
Airport operations and most of its repair and construction needs are funded with revenue from hangar rentals and other leases, profits from the sale of aviation fuel, state and federal grants, and income from Prairie Landing, the airport’s upscale golf course.
But the tentative budget adopted in January by the airport board had proposed using about $800,000 in property-tax revenues to bolster spending for building repairs, other maintenance and new equipment.
Schillerstrom and some of his allies on the County Board had criticized the spending plan, insisting property-tax revenues should not be spent for operating or capital costs.
Gordon Cole, the airport’s executive director, said some repair and maintenance projects would be postponed.
Also Monday, airport board members approved a 3-year agreement that appears intended to provide job security for Cole if Schillerstrom were to shake up the board.
Airport board members are appointed by the County Board chairman, and there has been friction between Schillerstrom and some current board members.
The contract pays Cole a base salary of $115,000 a year, with annual increases of 6 percent and a $600-a-month car allowance.
He had been working without a contract since taking over as airport executive director in 1996.
After approving the contract, board members used a rare parliamentary maneuver that would prevent any attempt to reconsider the deal.
