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Middleton commission to gather cost and role data before deciding on airport manager RFP
Summary
Commissioners agreed Oct. 9 to delay a decision on whether to run an RFP for airport manager services, asking staff to gather comparative cost, insurance and role‑definition data and return with a recommendation before the current manager contract ends Dec. 31, 2026.
The Middleton Airport Commission debated on Oct. 9 whether to initiate a request for proposals (RFP) for airport manager services or extend the existing contract and decided to gather more data before deciding.
Brian, the city staff presenter, reminded the commission the current airport manager contract runs through Dec. 31, 2026, and that the commission and city council must decide whether to extend the contract or pursue an RFP. Commissioners said they want market data on what comparable airports pay for manager services, a clearer separation of duties between the airport manager and the fixed‑base operator (FBO), and an accounting of current operational hours and costs (snow removal, mowing, maintenance) so any future contract or RFP is properly scoped.
Commissioner Cara said an RFP would show what market options exist and help the city plan for the potential salary and benefit cost if the city must hire a paid manager rather than relying on an FBO‑combined arrangement. "At some point, Rich will not be the airport manager," she said, urging the commission to plan for continuity.
Rich, who currently serves as airport manager and represents Mori Airplane Company, explained the current arrangement has kept costs low because work is performed through the FBO business model. He urged clarity on what the city is willing to pay before soliciting proposals. Staff agreed to return with comparative data from similar airports and an operational breakdown of hours billed for snow removal, mowing, runway and light maintenance.
Next steps: staff will survey peer airports for salary/operating benchmarks, provide an operations cost breakdown, and return to the commission for a dedicated discussion. No decisions were made at the Oct. 9 meeting.
