The Hollister City Council on Monday is set to consider several
considerations for the airport, including the pursuit of a
consultant to manage capital improvement projects and an increase
to the local fuel-flow tax.
The Hollister City Council on Monday is set to consider several considerations for the airport, including the pursuit of a consultant to manage capital improvement projects and an increase to the local fuel-flow tax.
The council at its meeting could vote on sending out requests for qualifications to interested firms for the consulting. In a separate item, council members are to consider an increase to Hollister’s fuel-flow tax from 5 cents to 12 cents, which would make it the second-highest amount in the region, according to a survey done by officials.
The meeting at Hollister City Hall is set for 6:30 p.m.
Officials contend the cost for the consultant would be minimal because 95 percent of the services would be paid through Federal Aviation Administration grants. Responsibilities would include such duties as working closely with staff to accomplish council-directed projects in a more timely manner while doing planning, engineering design and airport construction management services.
Statements of qualifications, if approved, must be received in a sealed envelope at Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth St., no later than 2 p.m. June 2, according to the proposal.
As for the fuel-flow tax, the city had the chance to increase the rate in light of modifications in January to a contract with the fixed-base operator, Gavilan Aviation, as part of an extension to the business’ deal at the Hollister Municipal Airport.
A city staff report notes that fuel is now about $5 per gallon, while the increase would represent a 1.4 percent hike to the price. A review of similar airports outlined in the report shows that four of nine local airports – such as those in Tracy and Watsonville – pump the fuel themselves and profit anywhere between 40 cents and 80 cents per gallon. The other five airports included in the survey showed fuel-flow rates ranging from 6 cents per gallon to 15 cents, in Livermore.
The airport commission in March voted 4-3 in favor of the hike.
