By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg police will provide security at the airport when it reopens in October.

Following an executive session Monday involving Police Chief Andrew Kennedy, city council voted unanimously to enter and agreement with the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority to provide security at the airport.

City Manager Sarah Purdy said the agreement will be fluid as it hashes out the details with the OBPA. For now, the cost for providing security will be based directly on the cost to the city. Purdy said that means if it requires officers to work overtime, that additional expense will be covered by the OBPA.

Purdy and the council offered praise to the city police department, noting that it shows the OBPA has trust in Ogdensburg’s officers.

“We are very excited about this,” Purdy said.

Mayor Wayne Ashley, who is a retired police officer, shared that sentiment.

Purdy said the “fluid” agreement will begin Oct. 1 and will be revisited in about six months. She said a more long-term agreement will be hashed out once both sides get an understanding of how much the security duty will cost.

Purdy said all city police officers will be trained to handle the special duty and at this time no officers will be dedicated specifically to the task.

Beginning Oct. 1 Allegiant Airlines will offer 178 passenger flights to Florida. Increased security is required at the airport in the wake of a massive expansion to the facility and runway, which will allow larger flights out of the city.

Purdy said it is likely other airlines will eventually take advantage of the new airport and at that time further increases to security may be necessary.