Philly City Council suffers sticker shock from new airport contract
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Philadelphia City Council members discuss increasing the annual fee for registering vacant properties from $150 to $300. (Tom MacDonald/WHYY)
The cost of a potential bus contract at Philadelphia International Airport is irritating some at City Hall.
Airport officials told City Council the up to seven year deal could cost the airport more than 15 million dollars a year for bus service.
Councilman Alan Domb, who has a business background, says that is far too expensive.
“you’re talking five million over the existing year, that’s what 40 percent 50 percent increase that’s a lot.”
Councilman Curtis Jones says he wants to make sure Philadelphia businesses are a part of such a big deal.
“in the contract there is subcontracting and even second tier subcontracting opportunities and we want to include local merchants and minorities and females where we can.”
Airport officials contend no Philadelphia-based company can handle the contract.
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