At the Oct. 17 meeting of the Carroll County Airport Commission, inquiries arose about the commission’s financial structure.
Justice of the Peace Matt Phillips, who represents the quorum court at CCAC meetings, said it came up at a recent budget meeting to ask whether the commission could take over the $12,000 insurance bill currently paid by the county. The county also provides a $50,000 annual subsidy to the airport.
Phillips emphasized that the commission did not have to immediately take over the insurance costs. He suggested looking into long-term solutions. In response to a question, Phillips said the county would continue to provide the insurance, but the commission could reimburse the cost. The county has a similar relationship with the Senior Center.
The insurance question provoked a discussion on efforts to make the airport self-sufficient. Commissioner Walt Kenyon asked about creating a detailed plan to eliminate the need for the county support. Chair Dave Teigen said the commission has been working toward that goal for 20 years.
In other business:
- Airport Manager Mark Pepple reported that the fuel system needs repairs that will cost about $3,000 and should be repaired within a week.
- Pepple reported on attending the annual meeting of the Arkansas Airport Operators Association. He said the networking opportunities were especially helpful.
- Consulting Engineer Joey Wallace said an upcoming hangar construction project has increased in cost, but those increases remain well within tolerances for the anticipated grant funds. Construction should begin in spring. Wallace discussed other grant opportunities and needs, with a tentative schedule of grants for the next five years. Discussion ensued regarding acquired property for hangar construction.
- A hangar tenant with a small jet had asked to install a jet fuel tank at the airport. That tank is expected to arrive in a week. Commissioner Morris Pate said the presence of that fuel tank will increase jet traffic and increase opportunities for parties interested in investing in the community.
- A cover over an outdoor area was expected to be finished in another week.
- Commissioners had previously discussed plans for a sign along U.S. Hwy. 62, but research showed that costs would be prohibitive.
- A Fly-In was scheduled for the following morning, but weather was likely to interfere with that. CCAC may hold one more Fly-In event on Nov. 22.