The Garfield County Board of Commissioners approved additional work and a temporary pause on new private-development solicitations at the Garfield County Airport while the ongoing master plan is finalized.

Staff said Lochner — the airport consultant engaged for the business-plan and master-plan work — needs additional scope and funding to move from a review of existing policy documents to drafting revised rules, minimum standards and a fee schedule. Commissioners approved a supplemental appropriation of $81,250 and authorized an amendment to Lochner’s agreement to carry out that expanded scope. County staff told the board the eventual revisions will yield a separate, short fee sheet that can be updated annually without redoing full rules and regulations and that revised rates and charges could increase airport revenue in future years.

In a related action, the board adopted a resolution (following discussion) to pause additional land‑development solicitations at the Garfield Rifle Airport until the master plan is finalized, a pause the board had previously approved informally on Feb. 18. The resolution clarifies that solicitations already approved as of Feb. 18 continue and that county‑initiated airport infrastructure projects (for example, a taxiway or ramp the airport needs) can be considered and brought forward for board approval while the pause remains in effect. Staff said the TAC (technical advisory committee) will reconvene in October; the master plan is expected to be finalized in draft form and then brought to the board for adoption in the months following that work.

Why it matters: the supplement funds consultant work to produce updated rules, minimum standards and a manageable fee schedule that staff expects will better align rates and increase recoveries; the pause provides a measured approach to new private hangar or development proposals until the county and consultant complete master-plan recommendations.

Outcome: The board approved the supplement and contract amendment with Lochner and passed the resolution authorizing the pause on new development solicitations (with the stated exemptions). Staff will proceed with the expanded consultant scope and return with finalized materials for board consideration when available.