County council appropriates $4.5 million as airport authority prepares Sheridan Airport purchase

County legal counsel and authority attorneys told the board that county council approved an appropriation of $4.5 million to fund the county’s purchase of Sheridan Airport, and that the county intends to transfer the property to the airport authority after closing.

The county attorney reported that environmental work is complete and that title work is underway. “We do not know the status of what types of agreements the existing tenants might have, whether they’re written, verbal, recorded, etc.,” counsel said; the seller is expected to provide tenant information in roughly 10 days so title and closing can proceed.

County council representation at the meeting said the appropriation was intended to fund the acquisition and associated transition costs. “The buying price is 4.2,” a council representative said, and the appropriation includes additional funds for environmental, title, and transition expenses.

Discussion: Board members discussed operational questions about management of Sheridan after closing, potential tenant arrangements, and the need to avoid unknowable long-term encumbrances. Counsel said the authority will meet with long-time tenants after acquisition to understand the current operating culture and any informal arrangements.

Direction: County counsel and airport legal counsel were asked to finalize title work and the purchase contract; staff will arrange meetings with long-time Sheridan tenants to assess operations and needs post-acquisition.

Comments from tenants: Long-time tenant Jeff Apple addressed the board and said tenants were “excited” about the prospective purchase and expressed a preference to maintain the airport’s rural character.

Ending: Staff said they expect a signed contract and completed title work by the next meeting and will report back on tenant agreements and possession timing.