Increase in hangar prices awaits action by Potomac Highlands Airport Authority

July 01--WILEY FORD, W.Va. -- During a meeting on Thursday, The Potomac Highlands Airport Authority voted in favor of a motion to raise hangar prices 20 cents a square foot, including a $20 a month increase for the Soaring Club starting Aug. 1.

The rates haven't been increased or changed since 2003, according to newly named manager Ryan Shaffer, who suggested the rate increase across the board.

There are some discrepancies with commercial hangar rental prices, which are based on whether they were grandfathered in or not, said Shaffer.

"What I would like to do is bring it up to speed that everything is on the same page. It's the same heating, same building and same everything," said Shaffer, who said rental prices range from 10 cents to 30 cents a square foot. "If we brought it to 20 that does bring some of it down puts it on the same plane and we can move forward," he said.

Authority member Lee Fiedler opposed the motion.

"I would like to see a proposal put together and look at the final proposal before we go ahead with it," said Fiedler, noting that he would like to vote on it at the next meeting.

"We don't want to be higher, we don't want to lose business on it and you want to straighten out the equities. You could have a lot of problems with this thing."

Old hangars, which are $50 a month would go to $60, the T-hangars that are exact same size and similar to the ones currently being built would go to $150, according to Shaffer.

"It's basically a $15 increase," said Shaffer.

Shaffer said it was stated in his contract that he had the right to make the rate increase change. Authority member Max White questioned whether the rate increase decision would be that of the managers or the boards.

"Our attorney is not here and I would like for him to be here so we can see if we can go without any motion, second and vote from the board because of what you are saying is in your contract," said chair Cindy Pyles. "I would prefer that the board would stand behind him."

At 20 cents the yearly revenue would move up $700, according to Shaffer.

"I'm just trying to increase revenue at the airport,'' said Shaffer. "A year from now you revaluate and move it up 22.5 cents, 25, 27.5 and then 30 cents. To get to your 30 (cents) it's going to take four years to do it."

White questioned Terry Malone, authority member, who also owns one of the bigger planes, if a rate increase from 15 cents to 30 cents would cause him to leave.

"I feel that is fair price," said Malone in response to White's question. "When I took over (as manager) rates were based on who you are."

Shaffer will provide the authority members with a list of the increased rates and will answer any questions they have.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at [email protected].

Copyright 2012 - Cumberland Times-News, Md.