During the May 21, 2025 regular meeting of the Clare County Board of Commissioners, Hillary Hoose of the Aeronautics Division at the Michigan Department of Transportation addressed the board prior to the commissioners’ vote on grant approval. At that meeting, Hoose stated that all eight airport hangars housed airplanes, with approximately half described as airworthy. However, a July 2025 survey based on responses from hangar owners who lease airport property from the county reflected information inconsistent with the figures presented in May. According to the survey responses:
- One hangar reportedly housed an airworthy aircraft
- Three reportedly housed non-airworthy aircraft
- One owner did not respond
- One privately owned hangar, owned by the Clare County Clerk and located on leased county airport property, was reported as not housing an aircraft at the time of the responses, with the owner indicating an intention to use the hangar for business purposes
- One privately owned hangar associated with a former airport manager was reported as having maintenance concerns and a non-airworthy aircraft
- One hangar was reported as not housing an aircraft and being used for storage of non-aviation items, described in the survey as not consistent with airport lease terms
Airport Records Raise Concerns at Harrison Airport
Recently released airport records document concerns involving a hangar at Harrison Airport that was reportedly being used for non-aviation storage, including dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and a boat, with no aircraft present.
According to the airport manager’s written report:
- A third party was accessing the hangar
- The tenant was allegedly in violation of lease terms requiring aircraft storage only
- An Airman inquiry reportedly showed no current valid pilot’s license for the tenant
The report recommends issuing a formal notice of default under the lease agreement.
Regardless of ownership structure, airport facilities involve safety, access control, and compliance, and documented concerns like these deserve transparency and follow-up.
Hazardous Material Storage Issue Addressed
As reported in July 2025, approximately 45 gallons of used oil were discovered stored in various buckets and jugs inside a hangar at Clare County Airport. Storing used oil this way is unsafe and can pose serious environmental, fire, and safety risks.
We are thankful that the airport manager identified the issue and ensured the oil was safely and properly disposed of before any incident occurred. This action prevented what could have become a serious problem.
This situation highlights the importance of proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials, especially in shared airport facilities. Safety and environmental stewardship protect everyone.
Public Statement – Clare County Airport Grant and Lease Transparency
Last year, the Clare County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the airport grant without seeing or reviewing the agreement.
We have now received a copy of the grant and have questions regarding the airport restaurant and compliance with fair market value requirements. According to a written response from Clare County, no documents exist supporting the determination of fair market rental value for the restaurant lease at the Clare County Airport. The state airport grant requires that non-aeronautical leases, such as the airport restaurant, be charged at fair market value.
The County’s written response confirms:
- No documents exist supporting the determination of fair market rental value for the restaurant lease.
- No appraisal, broker opinion, or commercial valuation documents exist.
- No documents exist regarding adjustments to ensure compliance with state grant assurances.
I am not making accusations, but am seeking clarification on how compliance with the state grant requirement for fair market value is being met if no supporting documentation exists.
Transparency and accountability protect both the public and the County. This matter should be discussed openly so residents can understand how public assets are being managed.