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Airport advisory board proposes 25‑year leases and 40¢/sq ft hangar rate to move toward revenue neutrality
Summary
Lincoln County Airport staff and advisory board presented airport operations and recommended raising ground lease rates to 40¢ per square foot with 25‑year terms and five‑year reviews, and evaluating development of a donated 20‑acre tract for hangar construction. Commissioners and the public discussed feasibility, FAA rules and whether the county or private sector should develop hangars.
Airport manager presented Dec. 2 on Lincoln County Airport operations, recent projects and a proposal from the airport advisory board for new lease terms and development of 20 acres donated to the county. The airport report said the county has 73 hangars, about 103 registered aircraft, about 3,000 gallons of fuel sales monthly, and recent capital projects (north and south ramp) completed in 2023–24. The south 20 acres was donated (presenter stated $1,000,000 acquisition funded to county at no cost) and advisory board members urged the county to evaluate options to develop hangars there.
The advisory board recommended ground lease rates at 40¢ per square foot with 25‑year terms and a five‑year review cadence; staff estimated the change would increase existing hangar revenue to roughly $62,564 and potential income from 55 new hangars on the 20 acres to about $89,000. Commissioners and public commenters debated whether 25‑year leases are necessary for builders to obtain bank financing, whether the county should lead development or let private enterprise build hangars, and FAA compliance and governance changes for an expanding airport. The item was presented for discussion; staff said Helms Engineering will provide more detailed numbers at a future meeting and that formal action could be scheduled after that briefing.
