SANDPOINT — As fiscal year 2027 contracts continue through the approval process, Bonner County commissioners cleared several agenda items Tuesday to keep county departments running, from airport leases to sheriff’s office moorage agreements.

A total of three leases from two Bonner County airports were approved unanimously by Bonner County commissioners during Tuesday’s business meeting.  

The approvals were made by commissioners Asia Williams and Brian Domke, giving approval for a five-year lease at the Priest River airport for hangar eight. The department is expected to receive a total of $19,500 for the agreement, where the yearly payments will increase in increments of $300.  

Lots 32 and 33 at the Sandpoint airport were approved to be transferred to another party, an agreement that’s allowed according to the terms of the lot leases. The approved party must resume all agreed-upon terms of the original lease.  

A lease for lot 32 was originally approved in March 2025, where the lessee agreed to build a hangar that would ultimately revert to the county at the end of the 30-year lease agreement, unless the lessee gives written notice to extend the lease for an additional 20 years. After the 50-year mark, the lot would automatically revert to the county. Documents indicate rent for the lot is to be paid annually in the amount of $2,700. 

Lot 33 has similar leasing terms but was approved in June 2025.  

In other business news, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office was approved to enter into a temporary moorage agreement with MacDonald’s Resort marina in Bayview to house a sheriff’s vessel until May 15, 2027. The agreement will allow the sheriff’s office to keep its vessel in the water during the months when Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River’s water levels decrease, limiting the use of the sheriff’s office’s typical moorage locations. 

The cost of the rental agreement is $1,750 and will allow the department to house two boats on the water during winter months, in the Bayview and Hope area.  

Marine Division Deputy Craig Ross said the second location will also allow for quicker response times for incidents on the southern part of the lake.  

Commissioners also approved the emergency management department to accept the donation of a 1989 two-axle communication trailer and a 2010 Cummins 12kw generator from Kootenai County. The trailer will be used to support emergency operations, carrying radios, antennas and other necessary support equipment.