Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 331 which will move the control of the Barrow County Airport Authority under the Barrow County Government.
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Governor [Brian] Kemp and the entire Barrow County legislative delegation. Their leadership on this important legislation cannot be understated,” Barrow County Chairperson Pat Graham said.
A joint authority for the City of Winder and Barrow County was approved in 1958 and an amendment in 1986 ended Winder’s control of the authority.
All assets, obligations, and responsibilities of the authority will now be with the county’s government.
The bill said the move was to “enhance efficiency” and ”streamline governance.”
Former pilot Stoney Bangert has been hired by the county to be airport manager.
“Stoney’s extensive experience – both in the air and on the ground – will be an invaluable asset as the Barrow County Airport is shaped for the future,” County Manager Srikanth Yamala said. “Barrow County is committed to investing and supporting this vital community resource, which will only enhance economic opportunities in the county.”
Bangert has served as operations manager for a real estate agency in Athens and served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years where he retired as a Naval Officer.
Meanwhile, the Winder City Council formally opposed the bill at an April 3 meeting.
“The City of Winder has a duty to defend our residents against decisions that could shift financial burdens onto them without their knowledge or consent,” City Administrator Jonathan Lynn said. “When there is no outreach, no dialogue, and no acknowledgment of the City’s contributions or concerns, it becomes our obligation to step in to protect our residents.”
City officials said Winder previously contributed property to the Barrow County Airport based on the understanding that the Airport Authority would operate independently.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/5/1291167/gov-kemp-signs-legislation-putting-barrow-co-airport-under-county-control