Kootenai County hires outside aviation counsel to draft helicopter lease after split vote

Kootenai County commissioners on June 24 approved a hiring agreement with Washington-based Fields Howell LLP to provide outside aviation counsel for a proposed helicopter lease and related insurance work, passing the measure 2-1.

The agreement was approved to secure specialized legal expertise Kootenai County staff said the county lacks in-house. Commissioner Duncan moved to approve the hiring agreement; Commissioner Aberline voted nay and Chair Metoyer voted aye, producing a 2-1 outcome.

Why it matters: county officials said specialist counsel is needed to draft a lease that insurance underwriters will accept and to determine the cost of insurance before the county enters any lease. Commissioners emphasized the county will next obtain a formal lease and insurance quotes before committing further funds.

County statements and debate Commissioner Duncan described the need for outside aviation counsel, saying the Sheriff's Office requested counsel to "look at a lease for the helicopter" and to ensure insurance and operational issues are addressed. The county estimated Fields Howell's work would draw on an existing $10,000 annual allocation for the helicopter program and currently expects about a $4,500 fee estimate; staff said the Board would be notified before any additional funds are spent.

Commissioner Aberline opposed the hiring agreement, calling the helicopter program unnecessary for Kootenai County and urging caution about spending even donated funds. Aberline said, "I'm not so keen on this hiring agreement with the helicopter. I don't think that's necessary for Kootenai County." Aberline also asked whether all parties who would be involved had been consulted before engaging counsel.

Supporters said the next steps are procedural: obtain a drafted lease and an insurance quote, then decide whether to enter a lease based on the full cost. Commissioners noted the helicopter program is funded by donations and that the county's $10,000 annual allocation was provided to access Spokane County's helicopter services in prior arrangements.

Formal action The board approved the hiring agreement for Fields Howell LLP to provide aviation legal services. The transcript records the vote as: Commissioner Aberline — nay; Commissioner Duncan — aye; Chair Metoyer — aye. The motion passed.

What remains: staff will return with a draft lease and insurance estimates. The agreement authorizes counsel to proceed; it does not itself create or obligate the county to a lease or long-term insurance purchase.

Ending The board moved on to public comment and adjourned after concluding scheduled items.