CHAMPAIGN — A consultant is expected to outline six options for the future governance of Willard Airport in Savoy at the Champaign County Economic Development Corp.'s annual meeting Tuesday (Oct. 18).

Jack Penning of Sixel Consulting Group was hired by the economic development group this summer to research possible operating structures and compare them with Willard's current governance.

The University of Illinois-owned airport operates under the UI's Office of Real Estate Planning and Services.

Sixel was asked to explore such options as having the airport set up:

— As a city, county or university department.

— As a district, possibly with an elected commission.

— Under an airport authority with an elected or appointed board.

— To be run by a private management company.

John Dimit, the economic development group's CEO, said Penning is expected to discuss Willard's passenger trends and compare them with national trends and with airports in a four-state region.

Specifically, Penning will provide comparisons of Willard Airport and Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.

The consultant is expected to outline revenue options that might help keep Willard competitive with other airports, Dimit said.

Other topics to be addressed include how the airport can control costs and how to get more community input on how Willard operates.

The economic development group's meeting will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Flightstar Corp.'s jet hangar at the airport.