Bluff reviews master fee schedule; council seeks clarity on hangar rents and BLM airport lease

Bluff councilmembers reviewed the town’s master fee schedule at the March 11 work session and used the discussion to raise questions about hangar rental rates and an outstanding Bureau of Land Management airport lease.

Master fee schedule and public comment: Staff said the fee schedule will go to public hearing March 18. Councilmembers debated whether to post a proposed fee reduction (for example, removing annual licensure fees) or to leave the dollar amounts visible so residents will comment. One member argued that showing a fee as proposed free could suppress public feedback; another said posting a proposed free fee could prevent disgruntlement.

Hangar rents: Council discussed how the town sets hangar rents and whether a new lessee should start at a base rate or at the current escalated level. Staff described an existing approach of a base rate (listed as $1,000 in prior leases) with a 4% annual increase. Members asked whether a newly signed hangar lease should start at the base amount or at whatever the current market/escalated rate is; staff said they would check current leases and consult the airport manager.

Airport lease with BLM: Council members said the town received a lease offer from BLM dated Jan. 16, 2025 and that the town’s payments are current through 2025 but the 5-year lease had not been signed. A representative identified in email correspondence as Norbert Norton (BLM contact) had asked for the town to review, sign and return the new lease. Council members asked staff to confirm differences between prior and proposed uses in the new lease and to follow up with BLM and the airport manager. Some members expressed caution about signing a multi-year lease before the town confirms capital-improvement commitments and funding; others said the town should sign for the near term to avoid a lapse in authority or service.

Other fee-schedule items: Councilmembers approved adding a linen rental fee for the community center to cover washing and replacement costs. Staff also flagged code-violation updates in the fee schedule for public review.

Next steps: Staff will follow up with the airport manager, BLM contacts and the council to obtain written clarifications of proposed lease terms, confirm current hangar rents and prepare the master fee schedule for public hearing on March 18. Council did not sign the airport lease during the work session; they asked for more information before committing to multi-year obligations.