The Carroll County Airport has seen high fuel sales in recent months, and at last Friday’s meeting members of the Airport Commission considered adjusting the sale price.
Commission Chair Dave Teigen said 2,400 gallons were sold in December, and sales in January remain on that pace. Pilots from around the area have stopped by for fuel because the current price of $4.54 per gallon is almost a dollar lower than the next lowest price in the region.
The commission had set a markup range from 10 to 25 percent, and the current price includes the 25 percent markup. The sales would remain steady even if price increased toward five dollars. Teigen explained that the airport had purchased 8,000 gallons of fuel at a very favorable price, and another fuel purchase is due within a month. Commissioners voted to keep the current rate and re-evaluate the price next month.
Lease revision could open up property for hangars
Consulting Engineer Dan Clinton led commissioners through a discussion on revising Larkin Floyd’s lease. Floyd has operated Tri-State Airmotive on a long-term lease, which will expire in 2024. He asked if he could receive a five-year lease extension on his primary building in exchange for granting the remaining property and buildings to the airport immediately.
Teigen said the arrangement would allow the airport to build more hangars without acquiring additional property, and the airport currently has a waiting list of at least 23 people wanting hangars. Commissioners responded favorably to Floyd’s plan, but the proposal had some vague language, and Floyd was asked to return next month.
In other business:
- No Fly-in events are scheduled until March, and the monthly events will likely return as breakfasts rather than lunches.
- This was the first meeting for new Airport Manager Mark Pepple. The previous manager, Alan Hoos, left to become chief deputy at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Various commissioners commended Pepple for his approach to the position.
- Prices for some commercial security systems were out of reach for the commission’s budget. Instead, they will pursue a security system that sends notifications to cell phones.
- A supplemental wind cone has been moved from the east end of the runway to the top of the T-hangar.
- New County Judge David Writer attended the meeting and was introduced to commissioners. Justice of the Peace John Howerton, who has been providing liaison between the quorum court and airport commission, also attended..
- The airport needs another courtesy car, but prices remain high for used cars. The search will focus on two-wheel drive vehicles, which would be cheaper to buy and maintain.