Florida airport considers steep rise in hangar and tie-down charges

Aircraft owners based at Venice Municipal Airport in Florida could pay more to park indoors or outdoors under rate changes put before the Venice City Council.

The proposal covers T-hangar rents, tie-down fees and the fuel flowage fee. T-hangar rates have stayed largely flat since 2007, and the new schedule would raise them by 53% to 147%, depending on hangar size and type.

Outdoor storage would be priced differently. Tie-down charges are currently set by engine size; the city wants to use wingspan instead. Aircraft with wingspans above 90 feet would pay a proposed $1,040 a month, against the present ceiling of $240 a month.

The fuel flowage fee would double, from 5 cents a gallon to 10 cents.

Airport officials say the revisions are meant to bring the airport's charges in line with current costs and market rates. Venice Municipal Airport runs as an enterprise fund, covering its expenses from its own revenue rather than the city's general fund.

The increases would be introduced in stages over three years. Tenants would get notice and 30 days to submit written comments before any new rates take effect.