For nearly two hours airport board members debated construction of the primary runway for the new Bay County Airport, finally deciding on an 8,400 foot runway made of concrete, but they left the door open for a possible extension to 10,000 feet.

"August 8th is the date the bids are due for several of the buildings on the airport, including the terminal building, control tower and so forth. That will give us a better perspective of where we stand budget-wise once those bids are in," said Randy Curtis, Airport Executive Director.

They're also waiting on word about a $4.5 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation, but the lack of a final decision rekindled a heated discussion between Phoenix Construction owner James Finch and the board members. Finch says some of his crews have completed their work and are now waiting to begin grading the runway, and with rock prices steadily increasing, Finch is concerned a delay could cost him money.

"Look here. All I want to do is do my job. Why won't y’all let me do my job?" said Finch.

Despite this point of contention, airport officials say the overall relationship between the board and contractor is good.

"Phoenix Construction has done a very good job with the work," said Curtis.

Now that the board made a decision, Phoenix crews can begin work on the runway.

A former airport maintenance worker named Johnny Gainer expressed his concerns to board members about a former employee, Kip Turner, who was recently rehired to work at the current airport. Gainer claims Turner made racial remarks and tried to demote a couple of workers because they were black.

Board members assured Gainer the only person with that authority is Airport Executive Director Randy Curtis, but they promised to take a serious look at the situation.