Delta County board authorizes RFP for airport manager search as staff turnover and airport growth options discussed

Delta County commissioners on Dec. 17 authorized county staff to post a request for proposals for an executive search provider to fill the airport manager position and to publish the solicitation on sam.gov and the county website.

Staff said the RFP was prepared following a special meeting of the board and the airport advisory board. The administrator and airport manager described several strategies to increase airport revenue, including reclassification of runway 119, attracting Part 135 operators and expanding hangar availability, but cautioned those options would require increased county investment.

Commissioners discussed staffing and job descriptions: the manager and chair submitted recommended job descriptions for airport manager and assistant manager that will be reviewed by personnel and finance. The board also accepted the resignation of a temporary airport clerk (recorded as Mrs. Wei) and thanked the employee, with the airport manager reporting that digitalization of airport files is about 90% complete.

Separately, the board accepted the resignation of an employee recorded as R. Morrison and approved a lump‑sum payout. Commissioners praised Morrison’s contributions to airport operations.

The board instructed staff to set a firm RFP submission deadline to ensure fair opportunity for bidders; members said the timeline must balance a quick turnaround with giving bidders adequate time to respond.

Next steps: the county will post the RFP per normal procedures and return to the board for candidate selection and subsequent personnel actions.