Proposed compromise would keep Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem city limits

Local and state officials say they have reached a compromise to keep Winston-Salem’s Smith Reynolds Airport within city limits.

Legislation introduced in March proposed de-annexing the airport from the city’s corporate limits.

Mayor Allen Joines responded at the time by noting the loss of tax revenue and echoing environmental concerns raised by residents.

Joines now says that a potential compromise would keep the airport within city limits while introducing a special airport tax arrangement, with nearby property owners paying half of the city and half of the county tax rates.

The mayor says this would cut property taxes for real or personal property in half while allowing Smith Reynolds to remain competitive with other regional airports. He also says the compromise would allow the city and county to work with residents to address erosion issues.

Joines says he worked with County Commissioner Don Martin and Forsyth Rep. Donny Lambeth to craft the airport tax arrangement. In a statement released by the mayor’s office, Martin praised the compromise for its potential long-term advantages, such as bringing additional aircraft and investments to the region.