Finance committee refers Capital Flight SASO amendment to Airport Commission after debate over future occupancy charges

The finance committee referred proposed amendments to the Capital Flight Specialized Aviation Service Operations (SASO) agreement to the Middleton Airport Commission after council members expressed contrasting views over a provision about rental‑occupancy charges.

Staff explained Capital Flight’s request: the operator asked the city to strike paragraph 2(a), which currently makes rental‑occupancy charges “a subject for discussion between Middleton and operator at the conclusion of the first 5 years” of a 15‑year contract; Capital Flight asked that the city remove that provision so no occupancy charge would be imposed during the entire 15‑year term.

A city official cautioned that the five‑year review clause had been a comfort in approving a longer term, saying that provision “gave me comfort in extending the lease to 15 years.” Other council members said the clause is too open‑ended and urged clearer triggers, limits or an articulated structure for how any future occupancy charge would be considered. One council member recommended adding specific expectations rather than leaving the language open.

Given those differences, the committee moved to refer the SASO amendment proposal to the Airport Commission with direction to draft language that balances the operator’s need for certainty with the city’s financial protections. The motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Airport Commission to review and propose revised contract language; council will consider any recommended changes and the operator retains the option to accept or decline revised terms.