County takes over management of Minden-Tahoe Airport

Douglas County took the stick at Minden-Tahoe Airport for the first time in 13 years.

Airport manager ABS Aviation President Michael A. Hodges said in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon the company turned over the keys to the county 5 p.m. Tuesday at the request of County Manager Patrick Cates.

“On behalf of all of our employees, we would like to thank the county and all of its citizens for the support we have received over the past 13 years,” Hodges said. “When we took over management of the Airport, the safety, financial, operational and management was in a very poor state. Through the efforts of the Airport Manager Director Bobbi Thompson, all of our employees over the years, the tenants, and many county staff, we were able to transition the Airport to the only financially self-sustaining general aviation airport in the State of Nevada.”

Cates confirmed that the county has staffed the airport.

“We have county employees in place and are working with the state and the FAA to ensure continuity in operations,” he said. “Meanwhile, the request for proposals process to select a new vendor is in progress.”

Hodges said the tenant population, number of leases, based aircraft and overall operations grew substantially since 2010 when the county first contracted with ABS.

“As such, we are confident that we are leaving the airport in much better shape than when we took over,” he said. “That was always our goal and sole objective.”

Hodges pointed out that the Aviation Roundups was probably the most visible contribution to the community over the years.

“Bobbi has been very active in the community and remains so to this day,” Hodges said. “That won’t change, although you will no longer be able to find her at the airport. We hope that the Airport remains a safe, efficient, and financially self-sustaining community asset.”

On Monday, the Airport Advisory Committee will meet new Fleet & Facilities Manager Jeff MacDonnell, who was hired in April after 18 years at Frontier Communications, who along with wife Heather will be introduced to members as the new interim airport management team.

Heather is the acting Airport Manager in charge of Airport Administration and Jeff is in charge of Airport Operations and Maintenance, according to Douglas County Chief of Staff Melissa Elges. The AAC meeting will include an introduction of Heather and Jeff.

The board meets 6 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse.