Last summer, the current Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority announced it would expand from five to seven seats, adding two members from Walton County.

Only one problem.

The Airport Authority didn't have the power to make those decisions. That set off a debate among the current entities that do have the authority -- the Bay County Commission and the Panama City Commission.

Panama City commissioners weren't opposed to adding someone from Walton County, as long as the city kept its two seats.

Bay County commissioners didn't mind adding a Walton County rep either, as long as they too kept their two seats and kept the Airport Authority at five members. They even suggested taking one of Panama City's seats and giving it to Walton County.

Then, Panama City Beach officials, who have no say on the current board, wanted to join the party.

In the two months that have passed, the groups have somehow come up with a mix that most everyone can accept.

Bay County and Panama City keep their two seats apiece, Panama City Beach gets two seats, and Walton County gets one, bringing the board to seven members.

Panama City Beach mayor Gayle Oberst is pleased, pointing out a quarter of all property taxes collected in Bay County come from the beach. Walton County officials say they are also pleased they have a voice, and Bay County officials are somewhat agreeable.

Bay County commissioner Mike Thomas said, "I don't like it, but I can go with it."

Problem solved, right?

Not necessarily. Another local city now wants its voice heard.

Lynn Haven mayor Walter Kelley said, "The city of Lynn Haven is the second largest city in the county and we certainly have supported economic development. I think we need to have at least one member appointed to that board."

Lynn Haven officials have called a special workshop meeting Wednesday morning to discuss the Airport Board membership.

But, it may be too late.

Thomas said, "Most of the time, if you buy a ticket to get on a train, if you wait til it's gone, it's just gone. I don't know that they have waited too late."

Lynn Haven may not get a seat under the current proposal, but it remains to be seen if their interest will keep the local legislative delegation from presenting the changes in Tallahassee this spring.

The legislative delegation is planning to discuss the Airport Authority proposal at the Bay County Government Complex on Thursday February 18 at 5:30.