The Citrus County Board of Commissioners has narrowed down the options for a new airport sign, but a decision on the location of the sign remains uncertain due to a looming legal showdown over the proposed site at Betz Farm.
On Monday night, the board voted to move forward with three design options for the sign, which will be placed at the Citrus County Airport. The designs include a $14,000 option with a large sign and LED lighting, a $9,000 option with a smaller sign and no lighting, and a $6,000 option with a basic sign and no lighting. The board will now consider the designs and make a final decision at a later meeting.
The proposed location of the sign at Betz Farm has sparked controversy, with some residents opposing the plan. The county has offered to purchase the 5.7-acre property for $425,000, but the owner, James Betz, has rejected the offer. Betz has threatened to take the county to court if it tries to use eminent domain to acquire the property.
The airport sign project is part of a larger effort to improve the airport and promote tourism in Citrus County. The county has been working to upgrade the airport and increase its visibility to attract more visitors. The new sign is expected to be a key part of that effort.
Commissioners hope to make a final decision on the sign design and location soon, but the dispute over Betz Farm may delay the project. “We’re trying to move forward with the project, but we need to resolve the issue with Betz Farm,” said Commissioner Mike Johnson. The county is expected to continue negotiations with Betz in the coming weeks.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
