March 26--Kerr County commissioners took no action Monday on a proposal to build 12 new T-hangars at the airport but indicated they supported the plan that would increase revenue and save taxpayers' money.
"Five years ago we used to beat our heads against the wall trying to figure out how to do it," said Commissioner H.A. "Buster" Baldwin of increasing revenue at the airport. "You guys (the airport board) are doing a great job."
Commissioners Tom Moser, who sat on the joint airport board until he was elected commissioner in November, presented the proposal pitched last week by the airport board. The airport board is seeking funding through the Texas Department of Transportation aviation division to fund 90 percent of the materials to build new T-hangars and have city and county provide labor and equipment for site work and paving.
The estimated total cost to build the hangars is $486,592, and the airport board has proposed leasing the hangars to private plane owners for $295 per month. Figures presented to the airport board last week estimated annual revenue of about $36,000 based on a 90 percent occupancy rate, covering the airport's share of the projected cost within two years.
"We looked at this thing from a financial stand point, and it does make sense," Moser said.
Commissioner Jonathan Letz, who has served as a county liaison to the airport board, said TxDOT is trying to work with the local airport on the T-hangar plan and is using this plan as a model for airports around the state.
"What isn't seen to the public a lot is what a great job the airport board is doing and what a great job the airport manager is doing," Letz said. "Whenever there's a project brought forward to TxDOT (from the airport board), TxDOT is excited about it."
Stephen King, airport board president, said TxDOT is reviewing the airport's plan and will bring back its cost estimates. Those numbers will be used to present resolutions of support to the city and the county.
King said they will ask the city and the county to provide labor and equipment for site work and paving.
"This isn't doable without the city's and the county's support," he said. "This is another cooperative project for the city and the county ... and hopefully make us a little closer to not costing (the taxpayers) anything."
County Judge Pat Tinley said he thinks the other cooperative projects between the city and the county at the airport, including the drainage improvements and the new secured parking area, encourage TxDOT to work with the airport on the T-hangar proposal.
Their excitement about this project, maybe it has to do with their observation of this drainage project," Tinley said.
After TxDOT reviews the plan to build the new T-hangars, commissioners and the city council will be asked to approve resolutions of support.
Currently the airport has 16 T-hangars built 12 years ago, and all have been leased since they were built. Moser said while the airport isn't trying to "build it and they will come," he said he believes the airport has commitments already to fill half of the proposed new hangars.
"We think people will come from Fredericksburg who are there now and, if they do, that's more fuel sales and that's more revenue," Moser said.
The Kerrville airport is owned by the city and the county and operated by an appointed board. The city and county supplement the airport's budget. This year, the amount of funding from local entities was $90,000 each.
In other matters, commissioners:
--Heard no comment during a public hearing regarding the revision of plat for Lots 11 and 12 of Whiskey Ridge Ranches in Precinct 3.
--Received an update on the Kerr County first responders program from Eric Maloney.
--Approved the revision of plat for Lots 11 and 12 of Whiskey Ridge Ranches in Precinct 3 contingent on all parties signing off on the plat.
--Received annual bids for road base, cold mix, aggregate, emulsion oil and corrugated metal pipe.
--Directed the county maintenance department to place portable toilets at Lions Park in Center Point, Ingram Dam Park in Ingram and Flat Rock Lake Park in Kerrville through September. This is an annually budgeted item.
--Entered into a six-month agreement with Kerr County Roller Derby to use the new show barn at the Hill Country Youth Event Center twice a week for $300 per month.
--Approved a proclamation to declare May 2 National Day of Prayer.
--Authorized the Kerr County Child Services Board to use a portion of the courthouse square for a display during the month of April for Child Abuse Awareness Month.
--Approved adding a wall in the main office at the animal control department for security reasons as well as the safety of the public and staff.
--Declared five vehicles surplus to be used as trade-in material on four new vehicles.
--Authorized the purchase of four 2013 Chevrolet Tahoes for $132,334 after trade-ins.
--Approved a lease agreement for a Xerox copier in the tax assessor/collector's office.
--Authorized the county to sponsor a Weight Watchers at Work program for Kerr County employees through the Healthy County program. The employees will pay any fee for the program. The county's sponsorship is use of the courthouse.
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