BOMA addresses airport at Tuesday’s meeting

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN)— At the City of Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting held Tuesday, Jan.20, city leadership addressed several items on the agenda pertaining to the Vicksburg Municipal Airport. 

The airport located at 5855 US-61, in Vicksburg, was approved by the board to be appraised by Southern Skyline Valuations. The purpose of the appraisal according to the agreement signed by city officials is for the sole use and benefit of the Client [City of Vicksburg}. 

The report states, “The report to be performed under this Agreement (“Appraisal”) is intended for Decision- Making/Internal and possible sale.”

The contract also lists the requested information from the city including the following:

• Current listing information
• Current agreement to purchase
• Boundary Survey or Site Plan
• List and cost of major repairs/upgrades performed in the past 24 to 36 months
• Building plans and specs
• Building sketch/drawing
• Gross building/net rentable areas
• Leasing Broker Contact information
• Asking rent for vacant spaces
• Past 3-year operating statements
• Current rent roll
• Copies of all leases or lease abstracts

The fee for the appraisal is $30,000 paid by City of Vicksburg funds. The contract also states the report will be provided to the City no less than 4-5 weeks from the date of authorization. 

The contract can be found below:

Additionally, on the agenda was an Appraisal Review Proposal with Airport Business Solutions. It was explained during the meeting that in addition to the appraisal, an appraisal review was also required. 

In the proposal letter for the review it states the following:

“Per your request, Airport Business Solutions (ABS) appreciates the opportunity to submit this proposal for an appraisal review of the pending Market Value appraisal of the Vicksburg Municipal Airport development in conjunction with a prospective closure of the airfield. As such, it is understood that the appraisal will assess the airport property under its highest and best use without obligation to the airport utilization. The appraisal review is to be in conformance with FAA guidelines in conjunction with a prospective sale of the Airport property. “

The fee for the appraisal is $9,500. 

The proposal can be found below:

During the BOMA meeting the Board also approved the purchase of an airport hanger located at the airport. According to city leaders, this was the only remaining portion of the airport that did not belong to the City of Vicksburg. 

The Board agreed to the contract to pay $35,000 to Mike Cappaert. The documentation can be found below:

The last item on the agenda concerning the airport was discussed in Executive Session. The Board discussed privately the suspension pending termination of an airport employee. 

As the community swirls with questions concerning the airport, and possible closing, it seems the City of Vicksburg leaders are preparing for closing the airport or selling the property by following guidelines and standards established by the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA.