Amendment to KHP hangar MOU raises long-term lease, cost-sharing questions

The chair introduced a first amendment to the Kansas Highway Patrol and Sedgwick County aircraft hangar memorandum of understanding that clarifies lease language and cost‑sharing across the 50‑year project term.

Justin Weidner, county counselor, said, "we're finalizing that draft with KHP staff as now. We can distribute that to all the commissioners once we get that." Commissioners asked for an updated fiscal note showing current costs, projected costs after bond payoff, and clarity about what happens when maintenance/labor benefits provided under the agreement end. In response, staff said historical practice at other facilities suggests ground leases remain with the airport authority and the county expects to negotiate new leases as needed, but they cautioned they could not guarantee outcomes 50 years in the future and recommended drafting an intent document to provide additional clarity.