Injustice in Our Community

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The Yavapai County WatchDog is your trusted source for news, events, and stories that shape Yavapai County. From community happenings to critical issues that impact local businesses and residents, we strive to bring you in-depth information that matters.

The issue that first inspired us to start Yavapai County WatchDog was the mistreatment of the Brunners (former owners of Sedona Air Tours) from Sedona Oakcreek Airport Authority (SOCAA). The Brunners have been systematically targeted by SOCAA, facing a relentless series of actions that have devastated their livelihoods. After being unfairly expelled from Sedona Oakcreek Airport, their once-thriving company, valued between $20-30 million, was driven into bankruptcy. This exclusion was not merely an economic blow; it dismantled the foundation they had built over years of hard work and dedication. Despite their contributions to the community and the airport’s operations, SOCAA’s unjust actions forced them into a legal battle that has yet to see resolution, even as the case advances in federal court.

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Where are your tax dollars?

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Dollars in legal fees spent to remove a locally owned business from the sedona Airport. Estimated by local law experts.

FAA violations Ignored by SOCAA

What are the Facts on SOCAA and the Brunners?

The Brunners’ struggle has garnered significant media attention, largely favouring the Brunners while critiquing SOCAA’s management practices. Currently, the City of Sedona is contemplating the acquisition of SOCAA and has expressed a desire to assume control of the airport. This move could significantly alter the power dynamics, potentially leaving Yavapai County taxpayers with the financial burden of SOCAA’s ongoing lawsuit. As a nonprofit entity under the county, SOCAA’s debts and liabilities ultimately fall under the county and tax payers responsibility.

In addition to media coverage, the Brunners found legal vindication through an FAA Part 16 complaint, where they prevailed against SOCAA. The FAA determination concluded that SOCAA was violating non-discriminatory practices against the Brunners. Consequently, SOCAA, along with Yavapai County, is currently in direct violation of the FAA order. This failure in compliance has resulted in SOCAA becoming ineligible for federal funding. Yavapai County’s appeal of the FAA decision was unsuccessful, a ruling that reinforced the need for SOCAA to amend their discriminatory practices.

Alarmingly, it’s been reported that SOCAA’s new legal counsel has advised Yavapai County that continued non-compliance might lead to the loss of the airport altogether—a risk the county can ill afford. The FAA now requires SOCAA to create a corrective action plan, further highlighting the severity of their wrongdoings and solidifying the Brunners’ victimization. This is not merely an abuse of power but also a gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. At one point, it was disclosed that SOCAA and Yavapai County had expended over $1,200,000 in legal fees against the Bruners, which a court has now determined to be discriminatory.

To reiterate, Yavapai County spent more than $1,200,000 as of October 2022 in its efforts to evict a locally owned business from the Sedona Airport—a case that was ultimately judged to involve discrimination. Local law experts estimate that SOCAA has now spent at least $5,000,000 on legal fees. The sheer waste of resources on discriminatory practices is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for systemic change and accountability within SOCAA and Yavapai County.

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