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Board adopts airport ordinance, approves fencing grant and orders removal of two derelict aircraft
Summary
Pickens County adopted a new Chapter 13 airport ordinance to address compliance and lease standards, accepted a $750,000 state fencing grant (75% match) and ordered removal of two derelict aircraft, citing inherited FAA grant-assurance concerns.
The Pickens County Board of Commissioners approved a new airport ordinance (Chapter 13), accepted a state grant for airport perimeter fencing, and ordered removal of two aircraft identified in derelict condition during its November meeting.
County presenter and counsel (first speaking at SEG 1352) framed the ordinance as a governance tool the board needs after the Pickens County Airport Authority was dissolved on May 13, 2025, and the board assumed operational responsibility. The ordinance packages general provisions, operational standards, enforcement mechanisms and lease rules. Presenter told the board the county inherited an FAA grant-assurance complaint that "could theoretically cause clawback of grant money," and said the ordinance is intended to "nullify the effects of past noncompliance, eradicate current noncompliance, deter future noncompliance, and encourage future compliance." The presenter said legal counsel from a regional firm assisted in drafting the ordinance.
Following the public hearing and discussion, commissioners moved and approved the adoption of Chapter 13. The ordinance's text as adopted codifies county enforcement authority, operational controls over ground vehicles and fueling, and lease standards the county expects airport tenants to meet.
On related airport business, the board accepted a state offer to provide 75% of funding for an airport fencing project (roughly $750,000). Chairman recommended using existing bond capacity for the local match so the project can move forward in one year instead of a phased four-year approach; the board voted to accept the grant.
The board also considered two aircraft identified by staff as present at the field in derelict, non-airworthy condition (identified as N6723A and N6150). The chairman moved to order their removal, authorizing the chair to take any action under Chapter 13 necessary to enforce the order. The board approved the motion and set a removal deadline of December 3 at 6:00 p.m. for the aircraft owners to clear the field; the adopted ordinance gives the county enforcement tools for noncompliance, including penalties described in the new chapter.
County staff also presented a separate resolution regarding an H11 hangar/lease for which counsel found "no effective written lease"; the board authorized notice of termination and a 90-day compliance window as part of that separate action.
