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Council tables review of 33.5-acre airport farmland lease to gather property details and market rates
Summary
Council members discussed increasing rent for a 33.5-acre non-irrigated lease on airport property, asked staff to identify the parcel and market comparables, and voted to table the item to the next meeting.
City staff reported that the City of Cairo currently leases about 33.5 acres of non-irrigated farmland on airport property for $1,500 per year. Council discussion noted restrictions on the parcel because it lies near a well and airport property, which limits permissible agricultural uses.
Councilmembers said the rate appears low compared with market comparables cited by staff (staff referenced research showing non-irrigated farmland at around $75 per acre and irrigated as high as $145 per acre), and suggested the city should evaluate the parcel and consider raising rent. One councilmember also asked whether the parcel might be needed for future airport expansion and urged caution.
The council voted to table further action and asked staff to identify the parcel precisely, evaluate allowable uses and provide a recommended lease rate and comparables for the next meeting.
Ending: The council instructed staff to return with a site evaluation, market-rate research and a proposed lease amendment or new terms at the next regular meeting.
