The Carroll County Airport Commission closed out the year on an optimistic note. At the final meeting of the year last Friday, commissioners looked ahead to consider grants that may allow the airport to grow.
Consulting Engineer Dan Clinton did not attend the meeting, but Airport Manager Michael Pfeifer shared updates Clinton had sent on current projects. Although money for land acquisition has not been formally approved, all signs indicate that a grant for up to $160,000 will come through soon. Commissioners voted to advertise for a land acquisition company, a step recommended by Clinton.
Earlier in the meeting, commissioners had discussed what would happen if Clinton retired. The consultant has guided the commission for years, and everyone agreed he would be hard to replace, especially with the airport poised to expand.
The airport already has room for a new gang hangar 90 x 110 ft. Commissioners have previously considered how many small planes could share the space. During Friday’s discussion, they noted that leasing the space to fewer, larger planes would generate the same revenue with fewer conflicts. They voted to take bids on the new hangar.
In the Manager’s Report, Pfeifer said the fuel tank has been refilled with 8,000 gallons and will sell at $4.88 a gallon. That price is a little lower than expected and will keep fuel prices competitive with airports in the region.
During the commissioner comments at the end of the meeting, Sandy Martin said, “It’s been a great productive year for the airport, and we’ve got a lot to celebrate.”