The Carroll County Airport Commission met Dec. 20, and much of the meeting revolved around big changes in the coming year.
The commission has recovered part of a large lease, and new hangars will be constructed in that area. Before that can happen, an existing building will be removed. That building currently houses several airplanes, and those planes will need to move until the new hangars are built.
The commission heard a request from one of the plane owners who asked about putting up a temporary pole barn as a temporary hangar. That tenant would be responsible for the cost of construction and removal, and he would have to carry insurance on the structure.
Commissioner Walt Kenyon said the owners of planes in the building scheduled for removal are exploring their options, and a temporary building was one suggestion. Chair Dave Teigen said, “This would have to be a last resort.” He noted that one plane from that hangar has already found a home, and tee hangars will be available for short-term rental.
Kenyon continued an earlier discussion on creating a weather station here, because weather stations in Rogers or Harrison sometimes do not reflect conditions in Berryville. Commissioners have investigated an Automated Weather Observing System that would provide accurate local information to pilots. A grant might pay for the system, but the airport would have to spend $4,000 per year to maintain it. Kenyon listed some alternatives and suggested that pilots might donate to install a simpler weather reporting system.
In other business:
- Teigen said the $6.25 cost per square foot for a ground lease is very competitive for this area. Any additional amenities, such as water and electricity, would be provided at additional cost. Teigen said land leases will help to reach the goal of self-sufficiency for the airport.
- Before installing a generator to power the terminal and runway lighting, some of the existing wiring at the airport will have to be upgraded.
- The airport will pay to bring electrical service to the site of a future ground-leased hangar. Commissioners agreed that lessees should only be responsible for the cost of running power from a nearby service. Other future tenants in that area will also be able to connect to the service.
- Justice of the Peace John Howerton has served as liaison between the commission and the quorum court, but he left the quorum court at the end of 2024. Commissioners commended Howerton for his service.
- Fuel sales have picked up, and another fuel shipment was expected on the day of this meeting. Fuel prices have risen and increases will be reflected at the pump.
- Commissioner Jimmy Kelley announced his resignation from the commission. He has served since 2021. The commission will publish a notice of the vacancy, but Teigen also asked the others at the table to recommend anyone who might be a good candidate.