Payson Council urged to reconsider airport fee increases and management practices

June 11, 2025 | Payson, Gila County, Arizona

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Payson Council urged to reconsider airport fee increases and management practices

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Payson Town Council convened on June 11, 2025, to address several key issues, including airport fees and the management of hangars. The meeting featured public comments that raised concerns about the recent fee structures proposed for the airport.

One resident criticized the council's previous vote on airport fees, arguing that many of the fees labeled as "existing" were actually new charges intended to generate revenue. He specifically highlighted a $2,500 fee for runway incursions, which he claimed does not apply to non-towered airports according to FAA definitions. The resident urged the council to revisit these fees, asserting that they were excessive and not reflective of the airport's actual operations.

Another point of contention was the proposed fees for Payson Hangar One, which the town is set to manage. The resident argued that the current rate of $3.71 per square foot was unreasonable, especially given the poor condition of the hangars. He suggested that a more appropriate fee would be 34 cents per square foot, aligning with other hangars at the airport, which would result in a monthly charge of approximately $300.

The meeting also included comments from Tom Dunning, a long-time resident, who expressed concerns about town officials using public resources to promote town actions on the radio. He emphasized the importance of transparency and urged the council to ensure that officials clearly distinguish between their roles as private citizens and public representatives when communicating with the community.

Mike White, another local resident and active member of the airport community, also contributed to the discussions, although specific details of his comments were not captured in the transcript.

Overall, the council's meeting highlighted significant community concerns regarding airport management and fee structures, prompting calls for further review and consideration of the proposed changes. The council is expected to address these issues in future sessions, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard in the decision-making process.

Converted from Payson - Payson Town Council - Regular - Jun 11, 2025 meeting on June 11, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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