By Nicky Boyette
Commissioner Sandy Martin announced at the Nov. 18 Carroll County Airport Commission meeting that CCA’s 2017 budget would be tighter than expected. She learned at the recent Quorum Court budget committee meeting that all county departments would face reductions next year, and allocation for the airport budget would be reduced from $60,000 in 2016 to $40,000 in 2017.
Martin said the Justices of the Peace were complimentary toward the Airport Commission citing improvements in bookkeeping, financial reporting to the county and upgrades to the airport facility, but the bottom line for JPs was “we have to cut everything.” Martin was told the county faces increases in insurance but little increase in revenue. She said the commission has the option to appeal for an increase during the year if the county sees an upswing in revenue.
“I can tell you now $40,000 won’t cut it,” airport manager Michael Pfeifer said.
“It’s all we get,” Martin replied, “but we can renegotiate midyear.”
“We don’t have anything to cut. We’re milking it all we can already,” commented commissioner Morris Pate.
Nevertheless, commissioners searched through the proposed budget Martin had prepared to see what they could find. Pfeifer noticed the income from hangar leases might be better than Martin had projected and commissioners decided they could reduce one of their monthly debt payments. Otherwise, there was little leeway.
Pfeifer said he would not need to purchase fuel until probably March, and all the vehicles were in good shape. Also, he would not need to pay for grass-cutting for a while. In addition, he projected they would have a modest amount to carry over to next year’s budget, and Martin asked him to figure as closely as possible what that amount might be so they have a clear concept of their budget.
Having little choice, commissioners approved the 2017 projected budget as presented and corrected.
Grant approved for taxiway expansion
Engineer Dan Clinton announced the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics approved a grant proposal to extend the south taxiway behind the newest hangars. “I told them we desperately needed it,” he said. This project will pave the way for constructing more hangars on that part of the property. Total cost will be $126,578, with the state paying $113,920 and the ten percent match for CCA would be $12,657. Pfeifer said a businessman from Texas has already expressed interest in building a 60×60-foot hangar.
Clinton said the contractor wants to begin in early December and commissioners should not put off beginning the project although the final step, laying asphalt, might have to wait until spring. He recommended they get the dirt work done this year and figure out the rest later.
Pate moved to earmark up to $6,200 to get the first half of the project started, and commissioners approved.
Manager’s report
- Pfeifer said the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Dept. has agreed to install two signs on US 62 indicating directions to CCA.
- The county road department let CCA use its backhoe to spread a load of gravel in eroded areas near hangars.
- Pfeifer provided labor and materials for a regulation-size horseshoe pit and fire pit near the terminal.
- Pfeifer and volunteer Butch Luper measured every building on CCA property and provided an aerial view of the airport to the county for insurance purposes.
- Two pilots have requested a fully-enclosed hangar at CCA but there are none available.
- Flight instructor Chris Brayman has 13 students in three different classes at CCA.
Next meeting will be Friday, Dec. 16, at 12 p.m.