Calhoun County commissioners renewed airport manager’s contract

CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – After two special meetings in a row, Calhoun County commissioners decided in a 3-to-2 vote to renew Calhoun County Airport Manager Rob Sims’ contract Wednesday night.

Sims’ contract renewal came into question after some commissioners expressed concerns over his lack of communication with the board.

“Just general miscommunication from emails and some people take texts out of context, you know, did they mean this or did they mean that,” Commissioner Arron Carter said.

During Tuesday’s special commission meeting, Sims gave a thorough presentation outlining the airport’s operations, future projects, and finances.

“It was a very impressive slideshow they presented. I think that’s what was the turning point for other commissioners as well. They see the progress that we have now that we didn’t have in the past,” Carter said.

Sims also turned down the commissioners’ offer for a full-time position at the airport and an $85,000 salary, saying he’d rather do the job for free.

“Change my contract now, on the spot, for $0 in perpetuity to continue doing what I’m doing at the airport for free. For free,” Sims said.

Calhoun County Commissioner Scott Monlyn said Sims’ passion is what swayed his vote.

“Mr. Rob said he’d do the job for free. Seven-plus years ago when I took this job and I spoke in front of a group of constituents, I said I wanted to do it so bad, that I’d do it for free,” Monlyn said.

Both parties agreed to work on communicating more efficiently going forward to prevent situations like this from happening again.

“From here on out, we’re going to do things a lot better and different. We will work closer and we’re going to grow that airport,” Carter said.

“I’ll take a more active role as airport manager to ensure that we communicate effectively back and forth. I’ll take the lead in that and make sure that we do what we need to do to operate smoothly and efficiently,” Sims said.

Sims said if he was let go, he would’ve just volunteered at the airport anyway.

Sims also said he just cares about working with his team and making a difference in the community, and he doesn’t think a raise would be in the airport’s best financial interests for now.

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