Middleton airport commission sets March deadline to decide on RFP for airport manager

The City of Middleton Airport Commission voted to decide by its first March 2026 meeting whether to pursue a public request for proposals (RFP) for the airport manager contract or to recommend an extension of the existing agreement.

The commission’s action followed a multi‑month review of a draft RFP and a discussion about timing, contract length and evaluation criteria. Brian Gatto, city staff, told the commission that for professional services an RFP timeline of six months to a year is typical and that the draft RFP already requires respondents to submit a detailed annual cost proposal. Commissioners broadly said a five‑year contract term was the preferred target length for a future award.

Members debated whether to run an RFP for the contract cycle beginning 01/01/2027 or to refine the existing contract and delay a public procurement. Commissioner Randall said a five‑year term “seems like a good length” to balance continuity and flexibility. Commissioner Cara (Randall) and other members asked that the commission identify measurable performance criteria so future evaluations would be clearer.

By voice vote the commission adopted a motion directing staff to continue drafting the RFP template and to circulate the current airport manager contract for commissioner review. The motion requires the commission to decide at the March meeting whether to proceed with an RFP that would result in a five‑year award starting 01/01/2027 or to recommend extending the current contract with any agreed contract language changes.

Next steps: staff will circulate the existing manager agreement and the RFP draft for commissioner comment; the commission will revisit the matter at its first meeting in March 2026 and then either issue the RFP or recommend a contract extension.

Sources: Commission discussion and voice vote; statements by Brian Gatto and multiple commissioners during the commission meeting.