Saturday, March 16, 2013

Hernando aviation authority chair defends airport

Hernando County Aviation Authority Chairman Gary Schraut fired off a letter Friday to chapter presidents and national directors of the Family Motor Coach Association that refutes a fact sheet sent out last week by an FMCA vice president.

Ralph Marino, in an information packet that went out to the FMCA heads, included statements from some chapter officials criticizing the county airport’s recent offer designed to keep the annual motor coach rally in Brooksville.

“We do understand that there are some within the (FMCA) that would like to see the annual rally move from Hernando County and respect that it is the choice of the organization and its National directors,” Schraut said. “There seems to be conflicting information on the actual costs of operating at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport and only ask that if it is going to be a decision based on financial issues that an objective review of the Hernando County facility be performed.”

Marino’s packet said many of the concessions that the airport is offering will result in no significant financial gain for the association.

But Schraut, hoping to set the record straight, defended the airport’s offer by itemizing costs of everything from postage to supplies that would overcome some $33,710 of overhead.

Schraut said Marino has cited $8,000 a year incurred by the FMCA for mowing the grounds. The airport, in its offer, would pick up the entire tab.

Marino has said that tent rental is costing about $80,000 per year. But in the so-called “fact sheet” sent out by Marino, there is a discrepancy in the figures, Schraut said.

Schraut cites instances where the FMCA would save even more money by staying in Brooksville and said that moving the rally to Volusia County — as has been mentioned — would cost the FMCA more.

Finally, Schraut said the Volusia venue could only accommodate 800 to 1,150 coaches, while the Brooksville airport can hold more than 3,000.

Schraut appealed to the chapter presidents to weigh all the facts before making a final decision, which is expected next week.

Earlier this month, Economic Development Manager Mike McHugh sent a four-pronged proposal to the FMCA Southeast Area in hopes of renewing a lease with the organization and getting them to continue their annual RV rallies at the local airport.

County Commissioner Diane Rowden, the county’s liaison to the airport, said the letter has already elicited a positive response from one of the FMCA chapter presidents.

“The fact is, they’re not comparing apples to apples with the Volusia County Fairgrounds,” Rowden said. “The bottom line is if you’re going to use facts, then put the facts out there. Don’t slant them.”

County Commission Chairman Dave Russell commended Schraut for writing the letter and hopes it has a positive effect on FMCA members.

“I think what Gary did was appropriate and that we have everything in writing so there are no misunderstandings and we have outlined all the provisions in our offer to help them in their decision whether or not they’re going to stay,” Russell said.

The proposal included:

A reduction in the license fee from an annual $6,500 to $4 per coach. That charge will be capped at 700 coaches with a maximum fee of $2,800. There will be no charge for additional coaches should attendance exceed 700, which would provide an annual savings of $3,700 or more over the current agreement.

The airport will assume responsibility for the mowing and maintenance of the rally area. That would reduce the FMCA costs in property maintenance and equipment to the tune of some $8,000 per year.

The airport is under contract to buy the former Brooksville Air Center facility and expects to close on the property late this month. The airport will then market the facility for lease.

“Within our lease negotiations, the airport will diligently negotiate to secure the use of the 20,000-square-foot hangar for the use during the FMCA rally from the new lessee at a rental rate of $20,000,” the proposal said. Use of the facility would cut down significantly on the FMCA’s rental of tents during the rally.

The airport, tourism and Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will help with recruiting community and student groups to provide volunteers to help with parking and other duties during the annual rally.


Story and Photo:  http://hernandotoday.com

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