Workers finish installing the stainless steel siding outside the new $17 million Southwest Oregon Regional Airport terminal on Tuesday. -World Photo by Lou Sennick

Coos County Airport District Chairman Mike Lehman was skeptical whether to help finance a marketing package to promote Southwest Oregon Regional Airport’s new southbound flights.

But after some discussion Thursday, airport district commissioners compromised. They agreed to match funds donated by other businesses and government entities rather than giving a flat-out donation.

Commissioners will limit their match to $30,000 and directed Airport Executive Director Gary LeTellier to look into adding the spending to next year’s budget.

This came after South Coast Development Council Executive Director Ron Opitz asked for the donation to pay for promotional materials, including billboards and brochures. He reminded commissioners they should be concerned about filling the seats on the twice daily round-trip flights to San Francisco, which start July 7. Sky West United Express’ Embraer twin-engine turbo airplanes can carry 30 passengers per trip.

“It goes back to: We can’t fail at this,” Opitz said.

Airport Executive Director Gary LeTellier said the funds are available.

“There are monies that can easily be earmarked,” he told commissioners.

Commissioner Helen Brunell Mineau said that although ticket sales are looking good for the summer months, “I’m worried from October to May.”

In June 2006, flights to Seattle commenced at the North Bend airport — but those only lasted one summer.

At first, Lehman said he thought the district had done enough southbound flights.

“Is it our role to promote people coming to the area?” Lehman asked Opitz and the commissioners. “We’ve done what we can. We’ve laid the foundation for the southbound flights.”

LeTellier told him that by donating they would protect their investment. Opitz agreed.

“I’d like to say the airport took this leadership role and stepped up,” Opitz said.

“We’ve already stepped up,” Lehman said. “What if we said we’ll contribute matching dollars one-for-one to what’s contributed by the community?”

Commissioner John Briggs suggested going to the cities of North Bend and Coos Bay and asking why hotel-motel taxes are not helping fund the promotional package.

“They’re in their budget process,” he said. “I think the right time to approach them is right now.

“I think $10,000 might not be too much to ask for from the city of North Bend, Coos County and the city of Coos Bay,” he said.

Opitz said he’ll do whatever he can to persuade those entities and business to participate.

“Whatever your wishes are; I’ll make it happen,” Opitz said.

“Make it happen!” Commissioner Clair Jones said.