The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors is moving forward in exploring legal options in regards to leaving the Regional Airport project.

Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Doland tells KNIA/KRLS News the board approved outside legal counsel on a 2-1 vote due to a potential conflict of interest with the current county attorney James Blomgren, whose wife Pamela Blomgren serves on the South Central Regional Airport Agency board.

This week, the Oskaloosa City Council joined the Pella City Council in denying an amendment removing Mahaska County from a 28E Agreement for a proposed Regional Airport in Mahaska County. According to the document approved in 2012, any changes require unanimous support.

A closed session will be held at the next Mahaska County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 7th to determine the board’s next moves. Current provisions in the 28E agreement include financial penalties if any of the three entities attempt to delay or stop progress.