Airport officials are keeping a watchful eye on spending these days.

In light of uncertainty about Southwest Oregon Regional Airport’s future flights to Portland, the airport’s board is holding off on spending $40,000 for art in the new $20 million terminal.

“I object to spending money on art,” Commissioner Joe Benetti said at a Coos County Airport District meeting Thursday. “We’ve held off on new hires. We’ve held off on new projects. ...”

Coos Bay resident Steve Pickering questioned the commissioners’ hesitation. But a board that had just spent hours discussing what might and might not happen to its Portland flights didn’t bend.

“We want this airport to be successful,” Commissioner Clair Jones said.

Commissioner Helen Brunell Mineau said they most likely will wait for a U.S. Department of Transportation decision on allowing Horizon Air to terminate its service at the airport. This could happen soon or take weeks.

She reassured Pickering that the walls in the new terminal would not remain bare for long.

“Trust me,” she said. “We will have art in this building. It’s just a question of when.”

The expenditure on art could exceed the $40,000, Brunell Mineau said Friday. She has received suggestions such as bronze statues, plaques, wooden sculptures, murals, paintings, tapestries and mobiles. The funds would come from a state economic development loan. An art committee also will look into featuring school artwork in a glass case in the fall.

Pickering had other questions for the board as well. He asked why an advertising agency from outside the area, Chicago-based KemperLesnick, has been brought in to promote SkyWest Airlines’ flights to San Francisco.

Jones explained that $75,000 raised through donations by community and business members had been given to the South Coast Development Council for airport promotional use. KemperLesnik is affiliated with KemperSports, the golf course operator for Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. The resort matched the promotional funds with $37,500.

Ron Opitz, executive director of the South Coast Development Council, said KemperLesnick also is providing $25,000 in free services. The airport has been featured in ads in nationally distributed magazines.

“Is all this advertisement aimed at the golfing community?” District Chairman Mike Lehman asked.

“We’re looking at golfers, of course,” Opitz said. “But we’re also looking into businesses and the community.”

Opitz said two banners have been placed along U.S. Highway 101 and there are advertisements on the television and radio. He said no local billboards are available for lease right now.

Benetti said no local agency can handle outside marketing. He suggested forming a committee to handle local advertising.

Pickering, who had been upset with the commissioners, admitted they had put him more at ease.

“This board is essential,” he said. “My attendance has changed some of my feelings.”

(Staff Writer Jo Rafferty covers business news for The World. She can be reached by calling 269-1222, ext. 236; or by e-mailing to jrafferty@theworldlink.com.)