Big Bear Fire Authority approves $1 lease with airport for air medical facility, caps maintenance contributions

The Big Bear Fire Authority on Aug. 12 approved an amended and restated lease with the Big Bear Airport District to continue housing air medical operations in the airport’s air-patrol building.

Chief Wagner told the board the original 2017 partnership with Air Methods established air medical transport services in the valley and that the authority and airport had an ongoing lease that required renewal. Under the updated terms staff described at the meeting, the authority had previously been setting aside $800 per month for maintenance (about $9,600 per year); the new agreement places a cap on cumulative maintenance contributions at $30,000. Rent for the facility remains nominal at $1 per year.

Board members moved and seconded the recommendation to approve the lease; a roll-call vote followed and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The lease secures space for air medical services that support emergency response in Big Bear Valley and limits the authority’s ongoing exposure to uncapped maintenance spending by introducing a $30,000 cap. The approval preserves the longstanding arrangement with air medical providers while clarifying a predictable maintenance liability for the authority’s budget.

What was said: Chief Wagner summarized minor building repairs found during a recent tour and noted staff would handle sanding, painting and other small tasks. A board member asked whether the airport receives any cash rent; staff confirmed the rent remains $1, consistent with many public-service facility leases where the primary consideration is operational continuity.

Next steps: Staff will execute the amended lease agreement with the Big Bear Airport District and monitor the capped maintenance fund as repairs arise. Any future major capital needs for the facility would require separate board action and budgeting.