Airport juggles expenses but still growing

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At the March 17 Carroll County Airport Commission meeting, Mgr. Michael Pfeifer told commissioners the sparse 2017 budget situation necessitates a creative management style on his part. The limited county budget for 2017 meant nearly all departments took a hit, and whereas last year CCA received $5000 for operations each month, this year it will receive $3333.33. In 2015, the monthly allotment was $6900. Pfeifer said monthly bills at CCA average $2500.

“We’re going to be mowing just the edges this year,” he said. Pfeifer said he watches closely electrical expenses for lighting and heating, and even recommended the commission hold off for the moment paying down two outstanding debts after making huge strides reducing debt in 2016.

The good news, according to Pfeifer, is all the bills are paid this month.

Other sources of revenue for CCA include hangar rentals, fuel sales and fundraising. There is also a tiny amount received for overnight courtesy car use.

The Quorum Court announced in January when budget numbers were revealed it would be open to reviewing disbursements at some point during the year if revenue allowed.

Manager’s report

Pfeifer noted CCA held another successful monthly fly-in Feb. 18. As many as 20 aircraft were flown in, and about 50 individuals enjoyed breakfast and perfect weather. He said someone left a $50 bill in the donation jar, and CCA cleared just over $100.

He told commissioners CCA received another five-star report on AirNav, a website with information about airports and fuel prices, from a pilot who landed in February during inclement weather. The pilot said, “Can’t say enough about this FBO… Mike let me put my plane in an empty hangar and use the courtesy car to go to Eureka Springs… great place, I will be back.”

Pfeifer also reported the Recreational Airport Federation is organizing a Trigger Gap fly-in June 2-4 and, through local pilot Harper Goodwin, requested to have either a breakfast or lunch at CCA during their event. The Sky Wagon Association will be scouting Trigger Gap and CCA for a similar arrangement in September.

All CCA hangars except one awning space are rented. Commissioner Mark Mallet stated, “Everything is full of airplanes. It makes us feel good there’s only one space left.”

Paving on the south taxiway is completed up to and around the corporate hangar.

Pfeifer said consulting engineer Dan Clinton had discussed pursuing a grant in July for another six- or eight-bay hangar. He said it would be a $200,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, which would require a 20 percent match. Clinton also intends to pursue a $40,000 90/10 grant for renovation of the corporate hangar on the south part of the property.

Water on the way someday

Pfeifer said he had put down the $100 deposit necessary to get on the list to get county water whenever the county can bring it to the property. There was discussion about lobbying to have a fire hydrant installed also. CCA currently uses a well.

Larkin Floyd, who leases a hangar on the northwest corner of the CCA property for his business Tri-State AirMotive, commented his personal well supplies water for his business and his own adjacent property. He said he would not continue to supply water to the hangar when he retires, so he conjectured the commission might save money by putting down a deposit now for a meter to his hangar also. Commissioners agreed it would be cheaper to spend $100 now compared to installing a line to Floyd’s hangar.

Commissioner Morris Pate said he would find out more details about the second deposit and report back.

Commissioner seated

In a unanimous vote, commissioners approved seating former commissioner Dave Teigen to the commission again.

Next meeting will be Friday, April 21, at 12 p.m.