Panama City- The local legislative delegation wants the Bay County Airport Authority to revisit its suggested changes to the membership of the board. During one of the lawmakers periodic public hearings Monday night, they decided to send the proposed changes back to the airport board.

After landing Southwest Airlines, the local airport authority made good on its promise to add two new members from Walton County. The expansion to seven members serves two purposes. It gives Walton County officials some input on the airport that will be serving its region. Plus Walton County's TDC pledged money to help attract a low-cost carrier.

But apparently the airport authority made the recommendation without a full consensus from some of the organizations that can currently appoint members to the board. Bay County Commissioner George Gainer said there has also been discussion of adding a representative from Panama City Beach and possibly others.

After listening to the discussion, the legislators decided it would be best if the airport authority revisited the issue with all of the airports stakeholders. "Specifically as to who would be on that board and what counties and municipalities would be represented has not been worked out. We just need to work this out and if the county was going to be asked to approve it then we certainly need plenty of time to consider it," said Gainer. "We will come back together as a delegation once they have worked out the details of the bill. We will hear it and file it in time for the 2010 legislative session," said Rep. Marti Coley, who chairs the delegation.

Because the local airport authority was created by an act of the legislature, state lawmakers must approve any changes to the make-up of the board.

Many others attended Monday night's public hearing for an audience with the legislators. The Bay County supervisor of elections, as well as representatives from AARP, the ACLU, PCMI, and the Bay County Commmission took advantage of the opportunity to voice their concerns or seek support.