BLUE GRASS AIRPORT BOARD CHAIRMAN
ISSUES PROGRESS REPORT

February 20, 2009 – In advance of a State Auditor’s report, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board Chairman Bobby Owens issued a progress report to outline specific steps taken in response to reports in the local media describing inappropriate spending by director-level employees.

“Our airport is a gateway to the Bluegrass for the rest of the world. For a long time it has created a favorable, lasting impression for visitors,” said Owens. I’m pleased that the Airport Board has taken several aggressive steps already to correct mistakes made in the past and prevent future problems. There is much more to be done but it’s important to give the community an update on where we are right now.”

The Chairman’s Progress Report provides details for a number of specific actions the Airport Board has taken in recent months. They include:

ACTIONS TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY

• Accepting the resignations of the executive director and three director-level employees
• Immediately retaining an acting executive director and engaging an airport management consulting firm
• Hiring an interim executive director

DEVELOPING BETTER INTERNAL CONTROLS AND OVERSIGHT

• Reviewing a number of airport policies
• Terminating employee credit cards
• Ensuring appropriate use of airport vehicles
• Reviewing compensation packages for current and future employees
• Limiting employee travel
• Eliminating perks
• Ensuring the appropriate use of technology
• Re-evaluating trade association memberships
• Reviewing staff organization

Further, the Board is preparing to implement a list of recommendations based on the report from the airport’s management consultant.

“As we continue to rebuild the public trust, I want to reiterate my thanks for the cooperation and assistance provided by the Mayor and the Urban County Council, as well as the work of the Airport staff and my colleagues on the Board,” said Owens.

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