“I can’t put $153,000 on a vision, especially with money being as tight as it is,” Headley said and also pointed out that the Authority didn’t include paying off the loan in its budget.

Before voting, Hayes asked Cleckler about conflicts among Authority members, and whether the entire body was in support of Cleckler making Monday’s request of the commission.

Cleckler, Caton, Turnipseed and even John Hollis Jackson, the county’s counsel, said that after attending Authority meetings it was clear everyone was in favor of the county paying off the loan.

“I’m just looking for ways to move this airport forward,” Cleckler said. “We are on the cusp of really doing something major out there.”

The commission also gave the Authority $10,000 to help the organization finish out its fiscal year. Cleckler said the group couldn’t make insurance payments without the extra money.

Commissioners voted 6-1 on that measure, with Headley opposed.

In other business, the commission:

•Heard a presentation by James A. Johnson about the county’s telecommunication services. Johnson said his proposal would upgrade the existing system and save the county money. Commissioners wanted to examine the proposal further.

•Heard a presentation from Ron Howard with Coast2Coast Rx Card about a discount prescription card program. The commissioners wanted to examine the program further and allow Jackson to look over the contract that would be required.

•Set a work session for 5:30 p.m. on July 2 to interview two current county employees for the position of county administrator, which will come open July 12.

•Scheduled Sept. 26 as the date for flu shots for county employees.

•Allowed Engineer Tony Wearren to classify a retiring Road Department employee as part-time. The employee is the county’s only certified bridge inspector, and he has agreed to help the department until another inspector earns certification.

•Signed a new contract with Community Corrections Program.

•Allowed the probate office to renew a contract with Delta for its computer system.

•Signed the election reimbursement claim for the runoff election.

•Gave the coroner’s office permission to renew a contract with Crystal Keys for alarm service.