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Mohave supervisors criticize Laughlin‑Bullhead City Airport Authority for refusing to present financials
Summary
Board members said the Laughlin‑Bullhead City Airport Authority declined to appear at the supervisors’ meeting on legal advice after the county repeatedly requested financial information; supervisors said the lessee has an obligation to provide records under its lease and expressed frustration with the lack of transparency.
The Mohave County Board of Supervisors on May 19 sharply criticized the Laughlin‑Bullhead City Airport Authority (LBCAA) after airport leadership declined to attend a scheduled public presentation and to deliver requested financial information.
Mohave County staff said they had requested financial records from the airport authority beginning in late 2023 and again in early 2024; county officials said the authority repeatedly postponed a presentation and, on legal counsel’s advice, declined to attend the May meeting. Chairman Lingenfelter and several supervisors described the absence as “disappointing” and “not showing respect” for the board as the property’s lessor.
Supervisor comments referenced a lease clause that gives the county rights to inspect financials; County Attorney Davis confirmed the lease contains a provision allowing the county to request financial statements. County staff reported receiving the airport authority’s FY2022 audited financials and said the authority indicated the FY2024 audit is forthcoming.
Board members said the airport operates on publicly leased land and argued that transparency to taxpayers requires the authority to respond when the county requests basic fiscal documents. Supervisor Martin and Supervisor Barelli said the authority’s refusal raised questions about why the documents were withheld and asked staff to pursue additional review, including whether the Arizona Auditor General could audit airport records.
Why this matters: Mohave County is the lessor of land used by the Laughlin‑Bullhead City Airport; the supervisors said financial transparency from a lessee operating on public land is a public‑interest obligation. The board did not take formal enforcement action at the meeting but directed staff to follow up, including checking whether the Auditor General has jurisdiction to audit the authority.
What’s next: County staff said they will continue requests for the FY2024 audit and investigate whether additional oversight avenues exist under state law or the county’s lease.
