Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kootenai County authorizes hiring outside aviation counsel to review proposed sheriff—s helicopter lease
Summary
The Board approved a request to retain outside aviation counsel to review a proposed lease agreement for a sheriff—s helicopter, citing a lack of in-house FAA lease expertise; the board asked for a statement of work and cost estimate to return for approval if expenses exceed thresholds.
The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 18 to authorize staff to retain outside aviation counsel to review a proposed lease agreement for a sheriff—s helicopter.
Darren Murphy, county counsel, told the board the county lacks the specialized FAA-lease expertise needed to ensure a helicopter lease conforms with federal aviation regulations. “The lease agreement must conform with FAA regulations and we simply don't have that expertise in house to do that,” Murphy said while asking for authority to find and retain counsel.
Lieutenant Mark Ellis of the Sheriff—s Office confirmed the county—s helicopter program has been funded largely by donations and, to date, has been managed to avoid net new taxpayer cost. "That is correct," Ellis said when asked about past funding.
Commissioner Eberlein expressed caution about proceeding without fuller board participation, saying he would not be the commissioner to move forward on helicopter procurement matters without additional oversight and requested that any vendor or counsel cost above $10,000 be returned to the board for approval. County counsel and staff agreed to develop a statement of work and obtain cost estimates before significant work proceeds.
The motion to authorize hiring outside aviation counsel passed by voice vote. Commissioner Eberlein voted Aye. Commissioner Duncan voted Aye. Chair Metari voted Aye.
The board did not authorize a specific contract amount at the meeting; members directed staff to return with scope and cost estimates prior to committing funds above the board—s reporting threshold.
