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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
• 2006-2007
7. SAN Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
Page 45
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is one of the County’s major economic engines.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Page 45
The Airport is an “Enterprise Fund.” Hence, unlike most other County agencies, the Airport’s primary source of funding is not the County’s general fund. The Airport depends upon revenue it generates as its primary source of funding. A major expenditure not within Airport control is its reimbursement to the County’s general fund for use of County facilities and services. If the amount transferred becomes excessive, it could seriously impact the Airport’s capability to maintain an acceptable level of customer service.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 45
The County should continually review the amount the Airport is required to reimburse to the general fund, ensuring conformance with FAA requirements and intent. (Finding #2)
F3
Page 45
While several Airport tenants expressed concerns regarding on-site operations and planning decisions, none appeared serious enough to drive tenants away. There may be an opportunity to reduce this dissatisfaction through increased outreach to the tenant community, making them an important part of the Airport’s decision-making process.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 45
Most complaints raised by Airport tenants were due primarily to differing perceptions. The Airport should address these concerns by increasing outreach programs to keep tenants better informed and involved. (Finding #3)
F4
Page 45
The Airport uses innovative technologies to maximize utilization and efficiency of its area-constrained facilities. However, it should seek out additional opportunities to benefit from technology.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Page 45
The Airport is a division within the County’s General Services Department. Because the Airport is an enterprise fund and operates in a very competitive market, its business model is very different from that of other County agencies. The current organizational structure will not provide flexibility the Airport needs to succeed in an extremely complex and rapidly changing market. 2006-2007 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Report Responses Page: R-45
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 45
The County should establish an independent, fact-finding committee or task force to investigate benefits and implications of creating an Airport Department or Authority. (Finding #5)
F6
Page 46
Because airport management is a very specialized field, finding experienced airport professionals to fill key vacancies can be a challenge. Current County hiring procedures and position classification structures will not have sufficient flexibility to quickly fill future Airport vacancies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Page 45
The County should ensure hiring procedures and position classification structures have the flexibility to quickly fill any key Airport vacancies that may occur. (Finding #6)