Citrus County aviation board hears project updates; fair-market appraisal and funding decisions pending

Citrus County airport staff updated the Aviation Advisory Board on several capital projects and on steps to establish fair-market values for airport assets that will guide leasing and development.

Airport appraisal: Todd Regan, Aviation Project Manager, said the county is gathering quotes for a fair market value (FMV) appraisal of airport assets and future property. "I'm hoping next meeting, we'll have, a forward progression on on starting the appraisal. That should take about 6 weeks to 2 months," Regan said. He said the appraisal scope will include land and built assets and would be used for negotiating leases, hangar pricing and future development.

Crystal River fuel tank replacement: Staff reported that bids for the fuel tank replacement came in higher than the project budget. Regan said one bid was "significantly higher" while another appeared reasonable overall but contained a single line item that was comparatively high. Consultant Daniel (Infrastructure Consulting Engineering) said the apparent low bidder looked acceptable on most line items but that one bulk item was driving cost differences; staff are coordinating with FDOT on potential additional funding and evaluating a base bid and alternates. He described the variance as "relatively less than 20% off from our budget."

Major-project timelines and surveys: The board was told that the Crystal River Runway 27 extension environmental assessment (EA) kickoff meeting was held Feb. 7 and that the consultant schedule is attached to the packet. An Airport Geographic Information System (AGIS) aerial survey is planned if the March 25 budget is approved; Regan said he will submit a work authorization after board approval of the budget. The master plan and an automated weather observing system (AWOS) replacement for Inverness also were listed as budget items going to the Board of County Commissioners on March 25.

Hangar status and waiting lists: Regan reported on hangar occupancy. Inverness has 16 T-hangars with 3 vacancies, 18 people on the waiting list and three pending applications. Crystal River has 20 T-hangars with no vacancies and 20 on the waiting list; the two box hangars had no vacancies and five on a waiting list.

Why it matters: The appraisal will set values that affect leasing and development revenue. Funding gaps on the fuel tank project mean staff and consultants must identify supplemental FDOT or county funding before awarding a contract.

Next steps: Staff will bring the FMV appraisal contract and any recommended bidder selection for the fuel tank project back to the county procurement and commissioners after funding decisions are clarified. AGIS, master plan and AWOS work authorizations are contingent on the March 25 budget outcome.

Ending: No formal votes were taken on these items at the meeting; board members were informed of the status and directed staff to pursue funding and contracting steps.