A high tech company which would create the need for skilled jobs in the area wants to locate at the old airport, Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott confirmed tonight.

Scott, County Manager Tony Brown and Commissioner Gene Minton met in closed session with city council tonight to discuss the matter.

During open session City Manager Paul Sabiston told council the city controls 41 acres of the airport, which has been closed more than a year.

Because the city and county have acreage at the old airport — the county has 200 acres — both governments must pay the Federal Aviation Administration fair market value. The funds from this procedure go to the new airport.

Sabiston said Halifax County has paid its fair market value — $1.5 million — and the city must do the same, the city’s figure being between $200,000 to $250,000. “What’s pushing this is an entity is interested in using a portion of the property in the near future.”

Sabiston said the FAA will work with the city. Other details were discussed in closed session. “The complete release with the FAA, that’s what we’re trying to address today. There might be details to come out later.”

Council took no action following closed session. “We hope to have something by Tuesday,” Sabiston said.

Mayor Emery Doughtie said he felt good about the discussions with the county.