Airport authority approves Jet Access fuel-management deal for Sheridan Airport

The Hamilton County Airport Authority on a motion approved a fuel-management agreement with Jet Access that will put Sheridan Airport’s fuel operations under Jet Access management while the authority receives the majority of per-gallon revenue.

Airport Director Sam said the agreement features a $1,500 monthly management fee, a pricing arrangement that pays Jet Access the wholesale fuel cost plus $1 per gallon and returns the remaining per-gallon proceeds to the airport, and a $100-per-day trip fee for on-site fuel-quality checks. Sam and Jet Access representative Sean White said Jet Access will also manage the back-end software and remit required state excise tax and credit-card processing fees under the arrangement.

The board’s approval followed an extended discussion about fuel-quality and liability protocols. Sean White told the board the $100 daily trip fee covers daily, weekly and quarterly checks, delivery inspections and records that insurers and fuel providers expect. “If you didn't do these things and you got audited by your fuel provider, they could pull it,” Sean said, emphasizing the need for documented checks.

The contract includes an annual review / renewal process rather than an automatic multi-year renewal. Sam and Sean said Jet Access will provide training so a future part-time county staffer could assume most daily inspections; county officials said they expect to post a part-time maintenance job soon. Sam said the county anticipates paying for some Jet Access trip fees for a limited time until the county hires and trains staff.

Board members who cast recorded votes were Bill Bier (Aye), Justin Clevenger (Aye), Bill Fry (Aye) and Dave Richter (Aye); the motion carried.

Why it matters: The agreement allows Sheridan to sell fuel with vendor management and documented quality controls in place while the airport authority collects most of the per-gallon margin. That structure shifts operational responsibilities and some short-term costs to Jet Access while preserving tax remittance and recordkeeping under the authority’s account.

Details and next steps: Sam said Jet Access will manage fuel receipts, quality testing and software. The authority will receive monthly remittance of the revenue delta. The board asked that the annual renewal be revisited each year and that training be provided for county employees. Financial and operational results will be reviewed after several months of operation and again if the part-time hire is added.