Elko council directs staff to start land‑exchange appraisals for airport parcel

The Elko City Council directed staff to initiate a land‑exchange process with property owners who offered to trade a parcel adjacent to the airport for two city‑owned parcels currently designated as airport property. The motion directs staff to enter an agreement with the property owners to obtain appraisals for the three properties and return with a fair‑market analysis and recommended findings under Nevada Revised Statutes for economic development disposals.

City attorney (speaker 18) outlined the legal framework under NRS 268.063, which allows disposal of real property for economic development when certain findings are made. Staff recommended requiring the applicants to pay initial appraisal costs (with possible reimbursement up to 50 percent if the exchange proceeds) and suggested deed restrictions limiting maximum structure heights to protect airspace and runway protection zones.

Airport staff and council discussed the site's history, appraisal challenges for landlocked parcels and potential benefits to the airport (hangar development, improved access). Airport staff said acquiring the parcel is consistent with FAA guidance to control surrounding property and could improve grant match or project financing opportunities depending on appraised values. The council approved the motion by voice vote and directed staff to proceed with appraisals and return recommendations.

Next steps: staff will obtain three appraisals, analyze comparables and draft findings and deed‑restriction language for council consideration. If an exchange is viable, staff will return with a resolution establishing the fair‑market value and the terms for transfer.