Rangeley airport commission backs proposed budget with staff‑role proposal and new aircraft‑count software

The Rangeley Airport Commission voted to accept the proposed budget as presented after a discussion about higher estimates for fuel and equipment and a staff reorganization proposal.

Commissioners heard from Joe, the airport manager, who reviewed line‑item increases he said are driving an about $20,000 net rise in the draft budget, including higher diesel estimates to cover snow‑removal operations and a larger equipment purchase line for grader chains and a replacement cutting edge. Joe said he has also proposed reintroducing a public service director position as a standalone budget line to coordinate construction projects and oversee departments; that position, he said, would tie together existing unit work while providing capacity for contract oversight.

The commission also heard from Bill, who described a new aircraft monitoring system that is being installed at the field. "It should be up and running to collect data on February 1," Bill said, adding the system will report aircraft size, origin, duration of stay and tie‑down activity and will feed that data to Joe's office. Commissioners said the added information could help with future funding discussions and operations planning.

After discussion, a motion to accept the budget as presented was moved and seconded and the commission recorded the motion as passed by voice vote. The acceptance enables the town to transmit the proposal to the next stage of review with the budget committee.

Commissioners noted the budget remains subject to review by the town budget process; Joe said he would bring any follow‑up materials or answers requested by members back to a future meeting.

The meeting adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for Feb. 23.