Commission debates raising pump prices and whether to buy more fuel amid volatile market

Commissioners reviewed the airport's current fuel inventory and local pump prices and debated modest price increases to respond to recent regional upward movement. The chair noted concern about buying large quantities now in case prices drop soon: "I don't want to get a situation where we're sitting on a bunch then it drops again," the chair said, arguing for caution about overbuying at a high point.

One commissioner said regional stations have raised prices and recommended a modest increase and possibly purchasing 2,000 gallons to get through the coming months, noting local full-service and self-service price differences on AirNav listings. Commissioners discussed tanker logistics and discounts for larger loads (full tanker loads were described as about 7,500–8,000 gallons) and tradeoffs between split loads and frequency of purchases.

Staff agreed to monitor regional pricing and provide a recommendation on timing and order size; the commission asked staff to notify members via email of any intended purchase action or price adjustment and to confirm whether board approval would be required for each new load. The commission did not take a formal binding vote to change prices at the meeting but signaled consensus to consider a modest increase and to review an order for additional fuel depending on market movement.