GLENMOOR - The former
operator of the Columbiana County Airport Authority recently agreed to
pay what he owes for storing his aircraft at the facility, but nothing
more for failing to live up to the terms of his contract.
The
Authority board voted in December to approve an agreement in which Scott
Lesh would pay them $1,230 in back rent, with the Authority forgiving
the alleged debts he incurred during his period as the airport's
operator.
Board Chairman Mike Diloreto said they were satisfied
with the deal since it made Lesh current on his back rent, and they were
not really out any other money.
"What we ended up doing was treating him like any other tenant," he said.
Lesh
was hired to serve as the airport's operator under a two-year contract
approved by the Authority board in October 2008. The contract required
Lesh's Quantum Aviation to pay the airport $400 a month, plus utilities.
Lesh
only paid $300, triggering a late penalty, and nothing toward
utilities. Lesh rarely showed up and then quit making payments
altogether, owing $8,200 as of May 2011. The board declined to renew the
contract after it expired and then began trying to collect what it was
owed.
Assistant County Prosecutor Andrew Beech recommended the
airport settle for the hangar rent Lesh owed and waive the rest, which
Diloreto said was mostly penalties anyway.
The airport operator
sells fuel, offers pilot training and provides aircraft mechanical
repair services. Diloreto said they knew at the time it might not work
out with Lesh since airplane owners were cutting back due to the
recession and rising fuel prices. Lesh was already busy serving as the
operator at the Beaver County (Pa.) Airport and as a pilot instructor
for U.S. Airways when he signed on.
"We knew we were going out on a limb in the first place," he said.
Lesh
was the airport's third operator who has been unable to make a go of it
since the 2004 retirement of Jerry Gearhart, the airport's long-time
operator. Rather than actively search for a new operator, the board
decided to operate the airport themselves as much as possible. An
automated system was installed that allows pilots to purchase fuel
around the clock, and pilots also have access to the terminal any time.
The airport also has a manager who maintains the buildings and grounds.
Diloreto
said many small airports are having a difficult time finding operators
because of the economics. "You know what they say: If you want to make a
$1 million in aviation, start out with $2 million," he joked.
The
airport's main source of revenue is $10,000 they receive annually from
county commissioners, plus rent from 26 hangars, all of which are
currently filled. The airport must obtain federal and state grants to
resurface and rehabilitate the runway.
Story: http://www.salemnews.net
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