Crossville To Buy Out Airport Manager’s Contract

Crossville City Council has approved a contract buyout agreement with Crossville airport manager Chris Bennett.

City Attorney Will Ridley presented the agreement during Tuesday’s Council meeting.

“Mr. Bennett approached me and made an offer to the city to potentially buy out his contract,” Ridley said. “His existing contract began in 2010. To give you some history, in that contract there were two-year renewal provisions to be renewed at Mr. Bennett’s request. As long as there was not a default that was not cured within 30 days, the city had to accept those renewals.”

Council members unanimously approved the $50,000 buyout of Bennett’s contract, which Ridley said currently runs through 2022.

Council members unanimously approved the $50,000 buyout ofairport manger Chris Bennett’s contract Tuesday. (File Photo)

“[The buyout] recognizes the fact that there’s still three years and two months remaining on the contract, that would be renewed at Mr. Bennett’s election,” Ridley said. “It’s in the best interest of the city and Mr. Bennett to leave on good terms. He’s currently paid a $79,000-a-year management fee. He leases the facility from the city and profits from selling fuel and other things and providing mechanic services.”

Council also voted to purchase the remaining inventory and jet fuel at the airport at a purchase price not to exceed $25,000. The agreement also gives Bennett, who also serves as Crossville Aero’s Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), 30 days from the time the buyout is finalized before being relieved of his duties.

City Manager Greg Wood said the city will likely need an interim manager and interim FBO until a full-time replacement can be hired.

“I feel we need a qualified individual out there for a period of about 90 days in order to allow RFPs (Request for Proposal) to be put out, reviewed, and accepted,” Wood said. “Mr. Bennett fulfilled both roles. Rather than trying to split it up at this juncture… or as you proceed forward if you want to split up those roles, that’s fine. That’s the way it was structured and that’s the way we probably need to keep it in the interim, at least.”

Council members ultimately expanded the interim manager and/or FBO position to last for approximately six months to allow the city to fill the opening full-time.

A special-called Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 8 a.m. in Crossville City Hall to approve the buyout and inventory purchases on second reading.