MONROE - On call 24/7, 365 days a year as supervisor of Monroe's shiny-new $1 million airport, Rob Driver thinks the city should at least offer him benefits.
"This has gone on long enough," Driver, who has held the position in an outsourced capacity since 1991 and whose contract is renewed each December, said on Monday. "It's becoming kind of a joke."
But he said he doesn't laugh knowing special arrangements of employee status have been granted for other professionals who offer expertise to the city.
"The city attorney (Rex Ewald) gets benefits and he also has his own private firm," Driver said. "So a precedent has been set."
The city's airport board met Wednesday at the airport to consider Driver's request. It again tabled any decision in order to gather facts for its next meeting on Feb. 11, but several comments boded well for Driver.
"I'd like to see a closer relationship between the airport and the city," board member Tom Miller said. "It's rare to see an operator and manager (as Driver currently serves).
"More importantly, we have a showcase here. I see this being part of economic development."
Mayor Bill Ross agreed.
"We need to look at the future of Monroe - if we have (potential Chinese manufacturer) Amlat come in, we will see an increase in fuel sales so will we need to ratchet up the supervision at the airport."
Board member Clarence Peters also emphasized the need for continuity between the city and Driver, and thus the potential need for a boss to oversee Driver.
"What if he dies? We need to have a supervisor who knows what is going on out here," he said.
New board member Mike Lambert, a frequent user of the airport, agreed and also noted a car service to help get into town would help business guests.
Beyond that, he vouched for Driver's hands-on dedication.
"I'm a little surprised he's not an employee, given how much he's out here," Lambert said.
On the flip side, Peters did say the current system has worked well to date and Miller noted his research showed few municipalities of Monroe's size had a city employee run the airport.
Driver told the board that Mineral Point (population 2,487 based upon the 2010 Census) had recently made the same switch he's desiring.
City Administrator Phil Rath said the decision on whether or not to invest in employee status for Driver, and any resulting economic impact, walked a fine line.
"Yes, some businesses have some hangars out here, but the people on the street mostly see the airport as a hobby (for aviators)," he said.
A month ago, Driver did receive an annual pay increase from $24,000 (plus a fuel-flowage commission) to a flat salary of $33,000. But no benefits were part of the package.
"I've spent an arm and a leg on insurance, and at my age I could use the help," Driver, 54, who owns Touch & Go Aviation but also holds regular hours at the airport, said on Monday.
However, when someone needs fuel, he must respond regardless of the time.
"I'm the only person in this city who must always be available who isn't making more than $90,000," Driver said Monday.
On Wednesday, he reminded the board of his value.
"I have a unique position," he said. "Not everyone can do this."
"This has gone on long enough," Driver, who has held the position in an outsourced capacity since 1991 and whose contract is renewed each December, said on Monday. "It's becoming kind of a joke."
But he said he doesn't laugh knowing special arrangements of employee status have been granted for other professionals who offer expertise to the city.
"The city attorney (Rex Ewald) gets benefits and he also has his own private firm," Driver said. "So a precedent has been set."
The city's airport board met Wednesday at the airport to consider Driver's request. It again tabled any decision in order to gather facts for its next meeting on Feb. 11, but several comments boded well for Driver.
"I'd like to see a closer relationship between the airport and the city," board member Tom Miller said. "It's rare to see an operator and manager (as Driver currently serves).
"More importantly, we have a showcase here. I see this being part of economic development."
Mayor Bill Ross agreed.
"We need to look at the future of Monroe - if we have (potential Chinese manufacturer) Amlat come in, we will see an increase in fuel sales so will we need to ratchet up the supervision at the airport."
Board member Clarence Peters also emphasized the need for continuity between the city and Driver, and thus the potential need for a boss to oversee Driver.
"What if he dies? We need to have a supervisor who knows what is going on out here," he said.
New board member Mike Lambert, a frequent user of the airport, agreed and also noted a car service to help get into town would help business guests.
Beyond that, he vouched for Driver's hands-on dedication.
"I'm a little surprised he's not an employee, given how much he's out here," Lambert said.
On the flip side, Peters did say the current system has worked well to date and Miller noted his research showed few municipalities of Monroe's size had a city employee run the airport.
Driver told the board that Mineral Point (population 2,487 based upon the 2010 Census) had recently made the same switch he's desiring.
City Administrator Phil Rath said the decision on whether or not to invest in employee status for Driver, and any resulting economic impact, walked a fine line.
"Yes, some businesses have some hangars out here, but the people on the street mostly see the airport as a hobby (for aviators)," he said.
A month ago, Driver did receive an annual pay increase from $24,000 (plus a fuel-flowage commission) to a flat salary of $33,000. But no benefits were part of the package.
"I've spent an arm and a leg on insurance, and at my age I could use the help," Driver, 54, who owns Touch & Go Aviation but also holds regular hours at the airport, said on Monday.
However, when someone needs fuel, he must respond regardless of the time.
"I'm the only person in this city who must always be available who isn't making more than $90,000," Driver said Monday.
On Wednesday, he reminded the board of his value.
"I have a unique position," he said. "Not everyone can do this."