Mountain View County council has been given an update on the activities and plans of the Olds-Didsbury Flying Association (ODFA), which operates the county-owned airport under an agreement with the municipality.
The review came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
ODFA member Greg Neufeld presented the proposed 2020 operating budget as well as other information.
Regarding the 2019 budget, expenditures in 2019 are estimated to be $146,617, with $31,524 required from funding from reserve.
The 2019 review included plans to contribute $56,667 from operating and reserve as one-third contribution over a three-year period for the extension of runway 28 (the main airport runway).
Approximately $34,000 for runway and taxiway maintenance from the 2019 budget was deferred.
Other activities in 2019 include chip sealing on tie down area completed, landscaping around runway lights, grounds maintenance has kept airport in good housekeeping status, co-hosted an airport tour for Mountain View County and Town of Olds councils, and security system installed and operational.
The proposed 2020 budget includes estimated revenue of $162,561, estimated operating expenses of $123,459, $56,667 from operating and reserve as one-third contribution over a three-year period for the extension of runway 28, $180,126 estimated 2020 expenditures (operating and capital), and 417,565 required funding from reserve.
The proposed 2021 to 2026 five-year plan includes development of security infrastructure, tracking of airport statistics, continuing work with the county on airport infrastructure, development and airport improvements, including airport extension, taxiway extension, and targeting business that will value the benefit of being at the airport.
Reeve Bruce Beattie asked if there is a landing fee at the airport. Neufeld said no.
“It’s just a fact that the general aviation will avoid airports with landing fees. My opinion and statistics show that,” said Neufeld.
Deputy Reeve Angela Aalbers commended the association for putting on the airport tour.
“It’s been a good year so far, and thank you,” said Aalbers.
Neufeld thanked the county for its support over the past year.
Reeve Beattie said the contract with ODFA is working well.
The proposed budget and plan will come back to council for consideration at an upcoming meeting.
