PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MAINTENANCE … The Airport Authority Board discusses ongoing repairs around the Williams County Airport as winter approaches.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Airport Authority recently convened to discuss ongoing operations and potential new business developments coming to Bryan, Ohio.
Brian Paugh of Premier Avionics, Fort Wayne, joined the board for an introduction and brief overview of his company. The meeting took place on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Paugh approached the board to explore opportunities for collaboration and expansion, expressing a strong interest in relocating operations to Bryan – an area that continues to attract new businesses and steady economic growth.
“We had an opportunity here to come to Bryan, Ohio, and I think it’ll work well for both sides when it comes to growing the airport for you guys, and our business also,” commented Paugh.
“We are looking to grow,” stated Dave Newcomer. “We have acreage we have acquired; there’s other acreage adjacent to the airport that owners have indicated they would be willing to sell to us.”
While Premier Avionics has no plans to take over airport maintenance operations, the company anticipates creating six to seven new positions for local residents specializing in avionics technology.
Paugh noted that the company’s goal is to establish a foothold at the Williams County Airport and contribute to the region’s expanding aviation department.
The board responded positively to the proposal, citing an interest in cooperation and continued discussion. With hopes of relocating as soon as February 2026, the current federal government shutdown has delayed certain processes, leaving an exact timeline uncertain.
Following the presentation, the board approved the minutes of the previous meeting and reviewed the most recent financial report. Members choose to leave the report open for further review.
Airport Manager Steve Fortner then delivered his report on general maintenance and facility updates.
He noted the completion of repairs to one of the airport’s fuel pumps and discussed preparing for the upcoming winter season. This included furnace services and other necessary parts to be ordered.
The Airport Authority moved forward to discuss the current challenges they are facing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
There are four projects currently waiting to be closed out with the administration, and Newcomer stated they have sent the required information four separate times with no progress.
“There is a chance, based out of the news in Washington today, that we might be able to pay one of the bills.
One of the bills that our engineer hasn’t been paid for for five years,” says Newcomer. He expressed frustration with the continued “loss of information” or uncooperative communication with the FAA.
With no further business, the board adjourned at 3:41 p.m.