Fargo, N.D. – The head of Fargo’s Hector International Airport is hoping for the best when it comes to possible airport funding cuts to fix the city budget, but is warning about the possible consequences for taxpayers.
On Monday, city leaders and department heads discussed possible service reductions to fill a $6 million budget shortfall.
Prior to that meeting, Fargo Mayor Doctor Tim Mahoney told The Flag that temporary airport funding cuts could be on the table.
“It’ll be a discussion we will have with them [the airport],” said Mahoney on July 10th. “If we’re in a tough bind, why not.”
Hector’s Executive Director Shawn Dobberstein says the Municipal Airport Authority, which oversees the facility, is an independent subdivision with its own budget.
But each year and based on state law, the airport can request a portion of property taxes levied to support infrastructure projects.
Dobberstein says it would be a “negative development” in terms of securing additional financial backing from outside sources.
“We use those dollars to match federal and state grants,” Dobberstein told The Flag’s The Steve Hallstrom Show on on July 17th.
“So it’s crucial that we can show the federal and state government how the city taxpayers have bought in to support their airport, and so far it’s worked pretty well.”
In the end, Dobberstein believes “the city support will be there.”
Listen: Hector International Airport Executive Director Shawn Dobberstein on The Flag
“I know they’ve got a tough budget to tackle, but our budget has nothing to do with theirs.”
Dobberstein spelled out what could happen if the city decides to hit the pause button on funding.
“Without the levy it costs the taxpayers more,” said Dobbestein.
“Our projects will cost more if we have to issue additional revenue bonds, or we don’t have the cash up front to pay for engineering and architectural fees for projects until we can secure the federal and state share for our projects.”
Dobberstein is holding out hope that the situation will work itself out.
“I think they’ll [the city will] do the right thing.”
