July 21, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
Aircraft owners who rent Hangars at the Smithville Municipal Airport will soon be paying more
During the regular monthly meeting last week, the Smithville Aldermen voted 3-1 to implement a plan to increase rental charges and establish a tie down fee. Alderman Beth Chandler voted against it. Alderman Brandon Cox was absent.
Airport Manager Katelyn Sanders made the recommendation saying the increases were needed to keep up with inflation. City amenities currently provided to the aircraft owners would still be offered.
“The people who have the T-Hangars they pay for the space which includes free electric, free water, free Wi Fi, free security system including gates and cameras, 24-hour access to restrooms, our lobby with complimentary coffee, 24-hour access to the ramp, and access to fuel. You would still get to store your aircraft and take advantage of those amenities,” said Sanders.
The city has been charging $125 per month for T-Hangar rentals and $225 per month for Commercial Hangars with a one-month savings for those who pay annually. The annual rent charges for T-Hangars is $1,375 and $2,475 for Commercial Hangars.
Under the plan adopted by the aldermen, rates for both T-Hangars and Commercial Hangars to current lessees would increase by 10% each year for the next three years and then by 3% per year thereafter.
For example, monthly rates for T-Hangars would go to $137.50 and $247.50 for Commercial Hangars the first year. Annual charges would increase to $1,512.50 for T-Hangars and $2,722.50 for Commercial Hangars.
“Our leases go from July 1 to June 30. At the end of 2025 it would be about a 33.1% increase and a 3% increase thereafter on the hangar rents,” said Sanders
For new tenants starting July 11, 2022, a T-hangar will cost $350.00 for one month, or an annual rate of $3,850.00 (tenants save a month by doing annual).
For new tenants starting July 11, 2022, a commercial hangar will cost $425.00 for one month, or an annual rate of $4,675.00 (tenants save a month by doing annual).
For pilots who tie-down on the ramp, there is no fee for the first 72 hours. After 72 hours, there is a $40 tie-down fee. For monthly external storage of an aircraft, it is $40 a month.
“This is a common charge at other airports,” said Sanders. “At the Smyrna Airport its $300 per month (tie down). Lebanon is over $200 a month. Warren County charges over $30 every one to two days,” added Sanders.