August 13, 2025

Orange County Supervisors Delay Vote on Airport Bond Proposal

News Summary

Orange County supervisors have postponed a vote on a $120 million bond proposal for improvements at John Wayne Airport. The delay allows further negotiations with Clay Lacy Aviation Inc., which is pushing for the bond, while concerns about implications and transparency remain. Additionally, the board passed a ban on kratom sales in unincorporated areas, reflecting a commitment to addressing public safety issues related to potentially addictive substances.

Santa Ana, California – Orange County Supervisors Postpone Vote on $120 Million John Wayne Airport Improvement Bond Proposal

Orange County supervisors have decided to delay a vote on a $120 million bond proposal aimed at improvements at John Wayne Airport. This postponement allows for further negotiations between county staff and Clay Lacy Aviation Inc., the company behind the bond proposal.

The board voted to postpone action on the bond proposal for an additional 90 days, a decision that reflects existing skepticism surrounding the initiative. The bond sale is unconventional as it is being proposed through the California Municipal Finance Authority rather than a traditional governmental agency.

Clay Lacy Aviation’s proposal outlines the construction of a substantial 6,500-square-foot customer terminal and four hangars, complete with office space. Under the terms of the plan, Orange County would maintain ownership of the new structures, adding value to the county’s assets.

During the meeting, Supervisor Don Wagner expressed concern over the implications that the approval of this bond could have on other fixed-base operators at the airport. He highlighted the potential precedent that might result from allowing such an arrangement. Wagner was particularly frustrated by the absence of John Wayne Airport Director Charlene Reynolds, who previously raised objections to the deal. Supervisors were left seeking clarification as to Reynolds’ current position on the matter, which surfaced unexpectedly during meetings.

Vice Chairwoman Katrina Foley also noted the need for assurance and benefits for the county from this arrangement. She pointed out Reynolds’ earlier expressed willingness to support the deal, contingent upon receiving favorable conditions for the county. However, this information came as a surprise to Foley, who pushed for the proposal despite conflicting messages.

Orange County CEO Michelle Aguirre informed the Board that issues of transparency and trust have marred past discussions with Clay Lacy. She emphasized that the risks associated with the bond proposal were relatively low for the county, acknowledging that protections exist should the company default on loan repayments. Despite this, Wagner remained hesitant, not wanting to establish a precedent that could lead to similar arrangements by other operators.

Contrastingly, Foley maintained that the ownership of the improvements would ultimately benefit the county. She stressed that bond issuance would not place a financial burden on taxpayers and reflected the support from local business leaders, which bolstered her stance on the proposal.

Further discussions suggested the need for enhanced clarity regarding the county’s ability to take over operations should Clay Lacy fail to meet its bond obligations. This aspect remains a critical sticking point for the supervising board members as they navigate the complexities of the proposal.

Kratom Ban Passed in Unincorporated Areas

In addition to the airport proposal, the Board of Supervisors took action to ban the sale of kratom, which has been described as “gas station heroin.” This decision applies to retailers in unincorporated areas of Orange County.

The ban follows a proposal from Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who cited rising concerns about the substance’s potential for addiction and risks of psychosis associated with high doses. Kratom is known for having both stimulant and opioid-like effects, prompting similar crackdowns in nearby municipalities such as Newport Beach, San Diego, and Oceanside.

This dual-action agenda underscores the supervisors’ commitment to addressing public safety concerns, whether through infrastructure improvement at John Wayne Airport or regulating the sale of questionable substances like kratom.

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Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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