Colby City Council Approves New Airport Hangar Lease, Receives STAR Bond and Tree Board Updates
June 2, 2026
The Colby City Council approved a new airport lease agreement, heard updates on the proposed STAR Bond development, and discussed collaborative efforts to keep trees cleaned up on June 2 at City Hall.
The council also received department head reports, approved a 2027 budget request, and authorized a payment for the Webster Street waterline project.
The meeting's most discussed topic was a request from Dustin and Stephanie Stephenson of High Planes Aviation. Stephenson was asking the council to approve a 15-year lease for Lot 21 at Shalz Field, which would allow High Planes Aviation to build a private hangar. The council approved the request after discussion about recent progress at the airport and Stephenson's future plans.
Stephenson has managed airport operations for just over two years and presented his project to the council. The hangar represents $1.5 million to $1.7 million in private investment and will address the growing demand for aircraft storage at the airport. The proposed 17,000-square-foot facility is designed to hold corporate jets and other larger aircraft. Council approved the 15-year lease, with the option to revisit an extension in the future.
The council also heard a brief update from STAR Bond Project representative Mike Woofter. He reported that his group has submitted applications for grants to fulfill utility infrastructure needs for the project south of Interstate 70. Woofter said the grants could help offset utility and infrastructure costs that are expected to approach $10 million. No action was taken during the meeting.
Woofter was also in attendance to address the council on behalf of the city’s Tree Board. He recently resigned from the board but said the group has struggled to attract additional community involvement. He shared photographs showing before-and-after views of Tree Board projects, citing improved community appearance for tourists and visitors Woofter also expressed interest in returning to the Tree Board as an active member.
Discussion then turned to tree cleanup efforts throughout the city. City Manager Ron Alexander noted the city's tree rebate program has seen limited use despite offering to cover up to half the cost of removing qualifying trees from private property.
Council member Jared Johnson expressed concern that the Tree Board's aging equipment may discourage volunteer participation. He recommended that other council members consider this prior to budget hearings scheduled to begin late this month.
The council then approved a $30,000 payment to Penco Engineering for services related to the Webster St. waterline project, and approved the Midlands Contracting Pay Voucher No. 3 in the amount of $162,786.24 for ongoing construction work. City officials reported that the project is more than halfway complete.
Thomas County Economic Development Alliance Director Vernon Hurd presented the Alliance's proposed 2027 budget and requested $85,013 in city funding. The amount is a 4% increase compared to last year, with Hurd citing inflationary pressures prompting the increase. The council approved the request.
The council then heard from department heads, receiving updates on recent projects, operational challenges, and upcoming priorities. First was Director of Public Works Omar Weber. He outlined a wide range of projects; Parks crews continue work around the Villa High playground area, while planning at Three Corners Park includes discussion of a potential pickleball court.
Weber also brought up the sustainability of grass collection by the sanitation department. City officials have been evaluating the cost of grass collection services as operating expenses continue to rise, including the possibility of combining grass and trash disposal operations.
Weber noted the Street Department had recently completed spring cleanup operations and assisted with the installation of Memorial Day Banners throughout the community. He reported they’ve installed eight new signs in downtown communicating the prohibition of bicycles on sidewalks. Meanwhile, the Water Department continues to experience heavy demand for new water tap installations associated with ongoing development throughout the community.
Finance Director Debra Zerr gave her presentation, reporting that her team has begun preparing for the city’s annual budget workshop to be held on June 29. She noted that employee health insurance costs now exceed $1 million annually and encouraged council members to begin considering future budget priorities.
Technology Director Mike Halbleib gave his update to the Council. His department, the smallest in city government, continues to experience growing demand as additional facilities and technology systems come online. He’s been active in searching for grants available for technology expenses and has found success with a few programs. Alexander commended his initiative in saving taxpayers money.
During the final discussion of the evening, Alexander informed the council that the city was unsuccessful in securing additional state grant funding for the next phase of Country Club Drive improvements. With approximately 2,800 feet of roadway left to repave between Interstate 70 and Highway 24, his team will work to resubmit their request for more funding opportunities.
The Council then adjourned.