Oneonta Common Council Approves Airport Cost Increase, Purchase of New-Used Fire Truck
By BRANDON RAUL RAMIREZSUNY Institute for Local NewsONEONTA
Oneonta’s Common Council met on Tuesday, April 7 for its first meeting of the month, with representatives advancing a wide range of fiscal, infrastructure, and administrative actions while also recognizing local service and community leadership.
Council members addressed maintenance needs at the Albert S. Nader Regional Airport, voting to slightly increase the budget for the reconstruction of the airport terminal’s access road. The council had previously authorized up to $200,000.00 for the road work in December 2025. City Administrator Greg Mattice reported that the city later secured an independent fee assessment costing $3,135.00. The assessment confirmed the $200,000.00 total capital budget estimate to be appropriate.
The evening’s council vote increased the project’s budget to a not-to-exceed amount of $203,135.00. An additional $5,079.00 in funding is coming from the Airport Capital Improvement Projects Reserve. Officials plan to include the added amount as part of the city’s FAA grant application, which they hope will offset the extra local costs.
Public safety spending was another major focus of the meeting. Council members took steps toward upgrading the City of Oneonta Fire Department’s fire fleet, authorizing officials to explore the purchase of “a used fire apparatus,” also described as “a classic pumper” style fire truck. The council approved a measure allowing City Administrator Mattice, Fire Chief Brian Knapp and Finance Director Virginia Lee to negotiate terms to secure a vehicle, if a suitable option becomes available.
