The Highland Lakes Squadron – Commemorative Air Force will call Burnet home for another year with the help of city funding and a discounted lease approved during a Tuesday, Sept. 8, Burnet City Council meeting.

The approval comes just over a month after the squadron pleaded its case to continue renting its hangar, as its lease contract was set to expire later this month.

The contract includes: a one-year lease term to expire on Sept. 30, 2027; a rent increase of $500 per month as compared to the current year; the removal of the squadron’s non-flying C-47 aircraft; and requirements to host or participate in at least eight events, including the Bluebonnet Air Show.

While the rent was increased, city council also approved $30,000 in extra funding for the squadron, consisting of $15,000 in rent assistance, $10,000 to make admission to the museum free, and $5,000 for site improvements, like new signage. This will couple with $10,000 in extra funding from the Burnet Economic Development Corporation approved in August.

The squadron has historically received $15,000 from the city each year in rent assistance, as well as $10,000 a year from the EDC in extra funding.

Background

Representatives from the squadron appeared before city council during a regular meeting on July 28 to present their case on why the organization should be granted a lease renewal.

The squadron, which has been in town for at least four decades, occupies one of the Burnet Municipal Airport’s largest hangars, housing a museum of aircraft, flight equipment, and history from a bygone era. The non-profit also hosts the annual Bluebonnet Airshow.

The hangar could potentially bring in upwards of $120,000 a year in rent according to city staff, but has been leased by the CAF at a significantly discounted rate of $38,000 a year. Much of those costs have been subsidized by the city using Hotel Occupancy Tax and Economic Development Corporation funds.

Despite support from the city, the squadron has struggled for years to raise funds and keep its museum doors open, prompting a discussion on its future in Burnet. The CAF originally requested a two-year lease extension during the July 28 meeting, citing its attempts at revitalizing the hangar, but council countered with a shorter, one-year extension.

Both sides were seemingly aware of the downward trend of the squadron over the last decade, but acknowledged that efforts were being made and agreed that Burnet should ideally remain its home.

Volunteers

Squadron Leader Tim Reynolds told DailyTrib that members have been doing what they can to keep the non-profit afloat, but it was hard pressed for volunteers. That need remains despite the council’s approval of a lease renewal and significant stipend.

“Join up, volunteer,” Reynolds said. “Only certain people can fly an airplane. Only certain people can ride an airplane. But our aircraft need to be cleaned. They leak and spray oil. We have tugs that need to be operated to move the aircraft. We need an auto mechanic. We need a social media helper.”

To be a volunteer, Reynolds said, community members don’t need to be a part of the squadron. Someone with a love for aviation, social media, and even finance can pitch in.

“Our finance officer, Joy, doesn’t even want to fly,” he told DailyTrib. “But she likes our purpose, our meaning, the museum, and she likes finance. So she’s doing something she loves.”

caden@thepicayune.com