PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
AIRPORT AUTHORITY … Commissioner Rummel introduced an idea of having the Williams County Airport Authority’s responsibilities taken over by the county’s Engineer’s Department at Thursday’s meeting.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
brenna@thevillagereporter.com
Williams County Commissioners discussed the future of the Williams County Airport Authority during their regular meeting Thursday, July 2, 2026, with Airport Authority Chairman Dave Newcomer.
President Scott Lirot, Bart Westfall, and Terry Rummel were in attendance.
A proposal came after discussion about the need for involvement in managing airport operations and the challenges of maintaining an active board. “We need a stronger, more actively-oriented kind of Board,” Newcomer explained.
Newcomer hinted at plans of future retirement and wanted to begin preparing for that transition. “I’d like to get things better settled before I leave, and this is a step in that direction.”
As part of those preparations, he recommended former Williams County Commissioner Brian Davis, who served four consecutive terms on the Board of Commissioners before leaving office in 2022, for the appointment to the Airport Authority Board.
Before a motion was made, the discussion expanded beyond the appointment itself.
Commissioner Rummel suggested the Airport Authority consider a gradual transition in which the Williams County Engineer’s Office would assume responsibility for the airport, while the existing board remained involved as advisors during the transition.
Rummel emphasized that the idea was only a suggestion for the board to consider and that any change would be voluntary. It would also require the appropriate legal process before moving forward.
He also noted that the current board’s knowledge and experience would remain valuable throughout any transition.
“It’s too big,” said Rummel, “and we need to have something beside a board running it.”
“We are responsible for many millions of dollars coming into this county,” replied Newcomer. “We can’t just let that responsibility go.”
“I don’t think there is anybody in the county that has any more experience or knowledge of operations besides Dave, and probably Brian,” stated Westfall. He made a motion to appoint Brian Davis to the board.
However, the motion died without a second. Commissioners stated they wanted additional time to discuss the appointment before making a decision.
“I think there are too many questions going on to make this appointment right now (and) I would like to think more about it,” explained Lirot.
The discussion and decision of the appointment will return in future meetings.
In other business, the commissioners approved a purchase agreement on behalf of the Engineer’s Department. It approves a purchase of a 2026 Pro Series equipment trailer for $14,681.
A Title IV-E contract was also approved on behalf of Job and Family Services. The contract is for the purpose of child placement services and will be on a one-year term.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:51 a.m. The next Williams County Commissioner meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
