Hancock County approves multiple property payments, airport contracts and construction payments; moves to executive session on union talks

Hancock County commissioners on Feb. 18 approved a package of contracts, property compensation payouts and construction payments and authorized staff to continue permitting and contracting for airport and EOC projects.

Property compensations: The board approved three just-compensation payments read aloud on the record, including a $37,000 payment to Acadia Kleinfeld, $26,500 to Acadia Aqua Farms LLC and a $550 payment to 1 In Our Properties LLC. Motions were made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Airport contracts and projects: Commissioners approved an airport-wide pavement maintenance contract with engineering firm Du Bois & King for $245,157 and a snow‑removal equipment contract for $43,520, both authorizing the chair to sign on behalf of Hancock County. The board also approved a 2026 hangar development contract for $45,003.31 and authorized Du Bois & King to begin permitting work for new hangars. Guy Ruel, identified as the director of aviation for Du Bois & King, was introduced as the ongoing contact and described his role as the engineer of record.

Construction and EOC project payments: The board authorized procurement of a builder’s‑risk insurance policy for the Emergency Operations Center construction project with a not‑to‑exceed payment of $12,500 from the community benefits account and approved application No. 2 for payment to E.L. Shea in the amount read on the record ($185,805.35). Project staff reported that Building C work is underway and that site photos have been shared with commissioners.

Human resources and benefits paperwork: The commissioners approved a compensation‑review contract with HR Data Labs LLC for $13,845 and signed paperwork to implement the Symmetra insurance plan for employees and the county’s application for paid family and medical leave insurance.

Executive session: At the end of the meeting Speaker 1 moved to go into executive session under Title 1, section 405(6)(d) to discuss union contract negotiations for members representing the Hancock County Sheriff's Office; the motion was made and seconded.

Votes at a glance (motions read on the record): • Approve agenda — approved by voice vote. • Approve minutes (Feb. 3, 2026) — approved by voice vote. • Just compensation: Acadia Kleinfeld — $37,000; outcome: approved. • Just compensation: Acadia Aqua Farms LLC — $26,500; outcome: approved. • Just compensation: 1 In Our Properties LLC — $550; outcome: approved. • Airport pavement maintenance contract (Du Bois & King) — $245,157; outcome: approved. • Snow‑removal equipment contract (Du Bois & King) — $43,520; outcome: approved. • Authorize pavement maintenance bid package issuance (Du Bois & King) — approved. • 2026 Hangar development contract — $45,003.31; outcome: approved. • Morris Yachts certificate authorization — approved. • Builder’s‑risk insurance for EOC (not to exceed) — $12,500; outcome: approved. • E.L. Shea application No. 2 payment — $185,805.35 (as read); outcome: approved. • HR Data Labs compensation review contract — $13,845; outcome: approved. • Symmetra employee insurance paperwork — approved. • Paid family and medical leave application — approved. • Motion to enter executive session under Title 1 §405(6)(d) — motion approved to proceed to executive session.

What’s next: The board authorized staff and contractors to proceed with permitting and procurement steps and scheduled follow-up items to be handled administratively or at future meetings.