Board discusses new fuel system and lowers avgas price to $5.15 amid planned runway work

Board members reviewed ongoing problems with the airport’s FuelMaster fueling system and discussed options for replacing or repairing the pumps. A board member reported speaking with operators at other sites who had reliability issues with FuelMaster and said the county is arranging for a technician to inspect the system.

Separately, the board discussed avgas inventory and retail pricing ahead of the planned runway construction this spring, when ramp or runway closures may limit fuel sales for an extended period. Board discussion referenced recent long-term sales averages and the cost structure for fuel storage, credit-card fees and delivery timing. One board member noted the airport’s long-term daily sales average (about 27.2 gallons per day over five to six years) and expressed concern about sitting on inventory during a multi-week closure.

After discussing options, board members agreed to set the avgas retail price at $5.15 per gallon. A board member said, “Okay. Let’s put it to 5:15,” and the group moved forward with that price. No roll-call vote was recorded; the transcript shows consensus rather than a formal recorded vote.

Board members asked staff to monitor inventory turnover and consider an additional 5,000-gallon fuel delivery if needed to manage fuel freshness, and to revisit pricing if market conditions change. Staff also said Bob (staff member) is pursuing a technician or vendor who can evaluate the existing FuelMaster system and present alternatives.

The board did not record a formal ordinance or budget action on the price change; the decision was an operational direction for airport staff to implement at the pump.