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Commission cites outside counsel for hangar-lease issues; no final legal action taken
Summary
The commission reported recommending Resolution 2025-63 to retain outside counsel (Michael Freeman, Griffith Freeman & Leapford) to assist with hangar-lease compliance and a pending tenant litigation matter; commissioners said counsel has reviewed leases and helped exercise a right of first refusal but no final county decision was announced.
The Jasper County Airport Commission heard an update Dec. 10 on ongoing hangar-lease legal work and a recommendation to secure dedicated outside counsel.
Commissioner Fulgin said the commission requested legal services from the county council and described Resolution 2025-63, which recommends retaining Michael Freeman of Griffith Freeman & Leapford to represent the county on hangar-lease matters. "We recommended the hiring of Michael Freeman," Fulgin said, adding outside counsel has reviewed leases, provided guidance to airport staff and assisted with bringing several tenants into compliance.
Fulgin said outside counsel also helped the airport exercise a right of first refusal in at least one case. He noted the county currently relies on an interim county-attorney firm and needs specialized counsel for the airport's complex lease and litigation work.
No formal vote on hiring outside counsel was recorded at the commission meeting. Fulgin said the recommendation arose because the county lacks a full-time county attorney and airport-specific legal questions have required work beyond interim counsel.
The meeting transcript shows the commission has engaged outside counsel on multiple lease-review sessions but did not record a final legal outcome or settlement during the Dec. 10 meeting. Commissioners said they are satisfied with the assistance to date and expect continued coordination with counsel and airport staff.
What happens next: Fulgin and airport staff will continue to work with the recommended firm and report back; any formal contract, expenditure or litigation decision would appear in subsequent county or commission records.
