County discusses formalizing airport manager duties amid lighting, hangar and grant questions

An extended discussion of airport operations highlighted uncertainty about the airport manager role and immediate maintenance needs. The airport manager (speaker 7) said there is no formal job description or title left in county records after the previous manager’s death and raised “personal liability” concerns if duties are ill‑defined: “My first biggest concern is personal liability for me as a manager,” the airport manager said.

Commissioners and staff reviewed operational items that need attention: the runway beacon and PCL (product-controlled lighting) system reportedly were not functioning correctly, several hangars have leases that should be reviewed, and snow‑removal and mowing schedules need clarity. The airport manager asked staff to compile Skip White’s files and grant documentation; Pam and others were named as contacts who maintain records. A county representative said flight‑safety items (beacon and runway lights) would be prioritized and that Don’s Electric or Tom Hubbard would be contacted for repairs.

The board discussed formalizing a job description and scope for the airport manager so duties and insurance coverage are clear; county counsel and staff noted that a written job description would help determine whether on‑duty activities are covered by county insurance and whether the county should adopt a formal manager title. Commissioners asked the manager and staff to gather leases, past grant materials and contact information for contractors and vendors and to return with a short scope of work and a list of outstanding safety items. No formal personnel appointment or new job classification was adopted at the meeting.