Jacksonville Aviation Authority board members narrowly approved a $35,000, or 14 percent, raise for CEO Steve Grossman Monday morning. His annual salary will rise from $245,000 to $280,000.

The board also approved a new contract for Grossman. He was in the second year of a five-year contract and board extended it by three years. The vote was 4-3.

JAA Board member Ernie Isaac said the raise represents a vote of confidence from the board on Grossman's performance. Isaac credits Grossman with changing the atmosphere at Jacksonville International Airport in one that’s appealing and makes people “feel good.” Tenants at Cecil Airport also like him, Isaac said.

“He’s doing all these things and we’re still making money,” Isaac said.

Although the JAA is a governmental agency chartered by the state and authorized to issue municipal bonds, Isaac said none of the money involved is from Jacksonville taxpayers.

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