Secret meetings held before airport director resigned

Michael Humberd stepped down Friday, less than three weeks after a 49 News investigation found how your tax dollars are being used by the airport. We uncovered that hundreds of thousands of dollars of your money aren’t spent on anything. They serve only as a cushion to the airport checkbook.

Airport officials are being tight-lipped about Humberd’s resignation. Humberd didn’t explain why he was stepping down and the board members won’t say why. By law, they’re not required to.

Topeka’s airport board held several closed-door meetings to discuss Micahel Humberd’s job performance. They met in secret Dec. 18, 2007 and again twice last week before Humberd submitted a verbal resignation.

“It was a personnel matter and our meetings were discussions with him,” said Sam Carkhuff, Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority board member. “He decided that he wanted to resign from the board and we accepted it.”

Carkhuff wouldn’t comment on whether there were any questionable things Humberd was doing or if there was anything Humberd could’ve done better.

Humberd ducked our questions about why a portion of your property taxes went up nearly 30 percent in support of Topeka’s airports. It was the first increase in nearly 10 years. Eventually Humberd told us the money was needed to pad the airport’s checking account.

After Humberd resigned, we went to his house to ask him about it. There were people inside, but no one came to the door.

Now the board members will try to put Humberd behind them and focus on finding his replacement. Then eventually, Carkhuff said he hopes the board can find a way to save taxpayers money.

“The goal really is to get us off the tax rolls, if we can,” said Carkhuff. “I don’t know if that will ever happen, but that’s our goal. We want to be self-sufficient and we’re always working toward that.”

It could take six months for the board to hire Humberd’s replacement, Carkhuff said. The board will begin the process at its monthly board meeting Tuesday afternoon.


Post a comment

(Requires free registration.)

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

Advertisement

Keep an eye on Topeka's weather with the 49 ABC News Sky Cam.

On the air

KTKA 49 Contest Rules

Online chats

49 Sports Challenge

It's time for the 2009 49 Sports Challenge! Click here to see the challenges 49 Sports Anchor Nic Hoch faces, or to challenge him yourself!

Swine Flu

Follow what's happening with the swine flu here.

49 News Kidcasts

Watch future TV stars, 6 to 12 years old, give the day's records on 49 Storm Team Weather here.

Main Street Live

KTKA 49 ABC is coming to your hometown. This Summer, starting June 10th, catch Main Street Live. Every Wednesday, we'll broadcast live from a city in Northeast Kansas, highlighting that community. Visit our Main Street Live homepage to find out when we might be coming to your town. You can send us photos and info about your town as well.

Register to Win

Register to win Worlds of Fun tickets.

A Day Away

Gather up the family and let "A Day Away" be your guide to investigating the nooks and crannies of the Sunflower State.

America's Next Top Model

Click here for eligibility requirements. Click here for the application.


TV Schedule

Voices

Latest blog entries

Severe weather and the 4th of July

From Weather Watch

This holiday weekend, much like Memorial Day weekend, is always filled with outdoor activities, barbeques and storms.
Le Tour

From The Hub

Can Lance win?

Interested in writing a blog? Send us a few sample entries! Let us know what you're interested in writing about, the experience you have with your topic, and anything else you think we'll find useful to know.

Latest blog comments:

Want to comment on the news?

Now you can - register for a free account and post comments to stories, blogs, podcasts and more, only on 49abcnews.com. Go »

Poll

Should ambulances charge more for people who weigh more than 350 pounds?

See the results without voting »