Airport Board approving budget and discusses surplus

IRONWOOD – The Gogebic-Iron County Airport Board approved its budget on Monday, but the conversation dealt largely with either dedicating existing funds or returning them to the counties.  The board 3-0 approved the $119,432 fiscal year 2021 operating budget. The budget remains the same as fiscal year 2020.  Board member James Lorenson brought up the fact that the airport’s $800,000 in carryover operating funds were part of the budget discussion at the Gogebic County Commission where he also serves as a commissioner and said the funds should, in part, be returned to the airport’s partnering counties, Gogebic County, Michigan and Iron County, Wisconsin.   Airport manager Michael Harma suggested moving the funds from the operating budget to the capital expenses fund months ago but the board had resisted. The funds would then be considered dedicated to improvement projects, such as a new hanger.  The funds are a combination of two counties along with state and federal funds.  The board placed the topic on the October meeting agenda for further discussion.