Kerr County commissioners approved an emergency funding request Monday to pay outstanding legal fees tied to the acquisition of more than 54 acres east of the Kerrville–Kerr County Airport.

Kirk Griffin, the airport manager, told the court that a long-running acquisition required payment of final legal invoices not originally budgeted in the airport’s fiscal 2025 plan. The total invoice was described in the meeting as approximately $127,000; staff and commissioners said the cost would be split evenly with the City of Kerrville, making the county’s share roughly $63,820.

Griffin said these charges surfaced during the fiscal-year audit and stemmed from last-minute costs — survey, appraisal, and legal work — associated with the purchase. Commissioners acknowledged the airport has been pursuing expansion for some time and that the unbudgeted fees were an exigent obligation to finalize the transaction.

A commissioner noted the county expects a TxDOT Aviation reimbursement (cited as $3.2 million scheduled in August) that will offset longer-term costs, but the payment to the attorney is due immediately. Commissioners discussed contingency funds and internal budget moves and approved the motion to provide the emergency funding pending administrative accounting actions; the vote was unanimous.

Commissioners characterized the expenditure as an investment in runway extension and airport capital improvements that should support long-term airport self-sufficiency. Staff noted further budget accounting and amendments will follow as needed.