CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — The Cambridge City Council Finance Committee has tabled a request for at least $60,000 in additional funding for the Cambridge Municipal Airport while city officials seek to discuss the airport’s financial needs with Guernsey County.
Airport Manager David Gal told the committee Monday that declining fuel sales have placed significant strain on the airport’s operating budget.
Gal provided the committee with fuel sales figures dating back to 2020. He said 2023 represented the peak in fuel sales, when seismic work in the area generated increased activity at the airport. Since then, fuel sales have steadily declined, with current sales less than half of the 2025 level.
Gal said the airport faces several significant expenses during the final months of the year, including fuel purchases, annual fuel-system maintenance and insurance.
He said fuel must be refreshed every six months, regardless of the amount sold. The airport recently purchased 1,090 gallons of aviation gasoline and was advised by its fuel supplier that it also needs to refresh its Jet A supply, with a recommended minimum purchase of 1,500 gallons.
The airport’s insurance is also scheduled for renewal Oct. 1. Gal said he anticipates the premium could increase by approximately 5%.
Another concern involves vegetation and other obstructions on approximately four acres north of State Route 209. Gal said the property was previously cleared through a grant, but the airport has not been able to maintain the area, allowing trees and brush to grow back.
According to Gal, the vegetation is now affecting aircraft approaches and could limit the airport’s ability to attract jet traffic.
He said airport staff plan to begin clearing the property in October. Gal estimated hiring a contractor for the work could cost between $24,000 and $48,000, while completing the work with airport staff would reduce that expense.
Gal also told the committee that the airport has begun separating its operating budget from government grant funding in its financial reporting. He said the change is intended to provide a clearer picture of the airport’s operating finances.
Finance Committee Chairman Tim Evancho said the city’s airport funding has increased compared with the county’s contribution this year and noted that city employees have also provided in-kind services estimated at more than $25,000.
Evancho said the city has also advanced its second- and third-quarter airport funding to help address cash-flow issues, leaving only one quarterly payment remaining for the year.
He recommended that the committee table the $60,000 request while city officials meet with the county to discuss potential additional funding.
Councilmember Kim McMillen said she was not comfortable immediately approving a request for at least $60,000 given the city’s own financial challenges. She questioned whether the airport had explored reductions in other areas, including staffing and other budget lines.
Gal said the airport has faced funding reductions for years and has already made cuts across expense categories. He said the airport’s goal is to become self-sufficient by 2031.
Councilmember Skip Gardner asked whether local industries that rely on the airport had been approached about providing financial support.
Gal said that effort is underway, describing the situation as a community responsibility.
He also said he had previously contacted the county about additional funding. Gal said county officials expressed concerns about their own financial challenges, but he plans to continue discussions.
Mayor Tom Orr said the city needs to determine what the county is willing to contribute before considering additional city funding.
Orr also offered to contact city personnel about potentially assisting with clearing the airport property. Gal said he would prefer to find donated equipment or other assistance so the work does not place an additional financial burden on the city.
The committee voted to table the airport’s funding request.
The committee also approved a $50,000 appropriation to police department salaries using reimbursement from Cambridge City Schools for school resource officer services.
Members approved an annual resolution accepting the amounts and rates determined by the county Budget Commission for the city’s fire and EMS tax levies. Routine end-of-year transfers totaling $20,000 were also approved.
Following the finance meeting, council members entered executive session to discuss economic development. After reconvening, council approved a development agreement concerning a new economic development project in Cambridge. No additional details about the project were provided in the meeting minutes.
Last Updated on September 29, 2026 by AVC News
