Commissioners should have the trees cut from near the approaches and takeoff areas so the authority isn't overwhelmed, Fry said.

"The authority needs to take the bull by the horns and look at the insurance, get a contract with (Fox), raise more revenues and kill the deer threatening aircraft and cut the trees."

Commissioners Vice Chairman Jack Gerst said he wanted protection for Fox because of his tenure at the airport, then questioned whether the counties would be obligated financially for the airport.

Finn said that Montour County's $2,500 yearly payment to the airport was reasonable and likely to continue.

Both boards of commissioners would make economic development funds a priority to the airport until it grew large enough to develop revenue, Dennehy said.

Tom Greavy of Riverside asked about the debt of the airport --$15,000 for a hangar and $10,000 for a roof. The hangar debt was in the names of the two counties, Dennehy said.

The commission has been paying on the interest and not on the principal of the loans, Fox said.

"It's ridiculous," Finn said.

Greavy asked if the authority would inherit commission director and treasurer Eris Bunnell.

Finn suggested that if her position of $250 a month is eliminated, the debt could be paid off more quickly.

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