Knox County approves airport plan, tables reappointments, discusses administrator search

The Knox County Commissioners approved the airport master plan and a supplemental lease with the FAA, while tabling two reappointments to the Board of Assessment Review to allow for further review. The commission also approved an administrative realignment for the communications center and discussed strategies for filling the vacant county administrator position.

Key points

• Commissioners approved Chapter 4 and 5 of the airport master plan, which includes runway safety area adjustments and future facility upgrades.
• The board approved a supplemental lease agreement with the United States for FAA navigation equipment maintenance.
• Reappointments for Thomas Laurent and Jim Murphy to the Board of Assessment Review were tabled following public comment opposing Laurent's reappointment.
• The commission approved an administrative realignment for the Knox County Communications Center to create a deputy director position funded by freezing two supervisor roles.
• Commissioners discussed the process for hiring a new county administrator, agreeing to use an HR consultant to manage the search and review applications.
• The board approved building maintenance costs for 62 Union Street, including tank removal and roof repairs that exceed the departmental budget.

Next steps

• Commissioners will meet with the public commenter regarding the Board of Assessment Review reappointments before making a final decision.
• Staff will coordinate with the HR consultant to finalize the job description and timeline for the county administrator search.
• The commission will schedule a meeting with the state regarding superior court upgrades and acoustic panel installation.
• The association will confirm the date for the December meeting in Hancock County.

Read the full transcript