By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Let the discussion begin.
That was the conclusion of the Plymouth Board of Aviation Commissioners after an informal discussion on the topic of becoming an “airport authority,” rather than a “board of commissioners.”

The commissioners invited Valparaiso attorney and LaPorte Airport Authority board member Ed Volk to speak on the issue of the value of becoming what Indiana Statute calls an “Airport Authority” as opposed to the current board set up. More specifically for Plymouth, the discussion has been whether to pursue the idea of a countywide airport authority.
“Aviation and the airport are a very important part of the economic development puzzle,” Volk told the board. “If you don’t have that piece, you are in trouble…The benefits of an airport don’t stop at the city limits”
Volk is an authority on the subject, having guided LaPorte airport through the process and being a member of that board for 35 years.
The process of organizing as an Airport Authority is a rather simple one; however in Plymouth’s case, it would involve an extra step. For the Authority to be set up, the city council would only need to pass a resolution or ordinance to the effect. If the authority is to be countywide, the Marshall County Commissioners and County Council would have to enact identical ordinances.
If the city undertakes the step on their own, the Mayor of Plymouth would have control over the four members that make up the board. If the move is countywide, the County Commissioners would appoint three members and the Mayor three.
The airport could then operate as a separate entity, and be allowed to levy taxes, but would need both city and county approval for budgets and actions involving any tax levy.
With many questions facing the airport and its expansion, board President Tom Flynn said this is the first step.
“I think we have to grow before we can pick a plan and get behind it,” said Flynn. “I really believe this is the way we need to go. I know that we can be more than just a utility airport.”
County Council member Judy Stone and County Commissioner Jack Roose were in attendance at the meeting. Stone raised questions on the airport’s ability to close roads if the move is made— specifically the proposed closing of Lilac Road because of its proximity to a proposed runway.
Roose was concerned about the airport’s ability to levy taxes, asking what the impact would be to property owners if the plan were enacted.
Discussion will now begin between the Airport Commissioners, city and county officials as to what the next step will be.