CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Comment: I am writing in reference to the lights and fans in the base picnic grounds restrooms. These lights and fans have been out of order for at least two years. I contacted the Outdoor Recreation Center last year and also in April of this year. The lady stated that there was no need to replace the bulbs because there was a short circuit and it would just blow out again. I thought a short circuit was a serious safety item. I also called the civil engineers about the electrical problems and also about a drinking fountain that had been running for three weeks. A week later, the fountain was repaired, but the lights and fans were not operating as of today, Aug. 4, 2008. When I walked in early one morning and met a raccoon head-on -- that is when I thought maybe you should be notified. I'm not sure which was the most scared and surprised, me or the coon. Thank you.
Response: Thank you for bringing these significant issues concerning our base picnic grounds to our attention. We dispatched our base civil engineers to investigate the operation of the light fixtures. From their inspection, they did not discover a short-circuit problem. However, we have replaced the light bulbs with new ones in hopes that this would prevent any possible future outages. Furthermore, our engineers inspected the fan fixtures and controls, and determined replacement parts are necessary. These parts have been placed on order with an estimated 60-90 day completion date.
Again, thank you for bringing these necessary safety items to our attention.
Comment: My question is regarding gas prices on base. Out of curiosity, I recently took a look at fuel taxes and found that the federal tax on gas is approx 18.4 cents per gallon and the South Carolina tax is approximately 22 cents per gallon. Does the Army and Air Force Exchange Service pay these same taxes? If so, why are they immune from taxes on the goods in the base exchange and not fuel? If not, why are gas prices the same on base as off base? Thank you for your time.
Response: Thank you for the opportunity to address gas pricing at AAFES. Congress has designated exchange facilities U.S. Government Non-appropriated Fund Instrumentalities and are, therefore, exempt from paying federal and state taxes. However, Congress enacted another law that requires AAFES to pay the same state taxes on motor fuels as the businesses in the community they are located in. All other AAFES retail sales remain tax exempt. The local AAFES sell price for fuel is determined by surveying the local competition. AAFES matches the lowest fuel price unless it is below their cost, in which case, approval from AAFES Headquarters is required.
Thank you again for the opportunity to address this important issue. If you have further questions, please contact our AAFES manager at 552-5000.