MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In an effort to make the airport more self-sustaining, the commissioners voted to end the contract with Kubick Aviation, which provided ground support services for air travel in and out of Sawyer Regional Airport.
“Marquette County advisory committee reviewed all the contracts and reviewed what’s important at Sawyer to create an environment where it’s self-sustaining, and all the contracts were reviewed and put on the table,” said Marquette County board chair Joe Derocha.
County Board Chair Joe Derocha said the move came after a recommendation by the airport advisory committee to terminate the contract and cited no official cause for the action other than autonomy.
“The contract provides an exit clause for ‘no cause”. Civil Council recommended to do a no cause and make a change,” explained Derocha.
Derosha says the goal is for the county to have better control over the revenue generated by the airport and create a new department within the county government to oversee that process. Officials from Kubick Aviation were on hand to voice their opposition to the move, claiming airports, like roads, are not built for profit.
“They had an issue because the money now is going to be that this potentially will generate will be held by the county and not given to the private sector. Though recognizing the private sector is very important. It’s time we start thinking about Marquette County first.
The board will continue to review contracts that it believes may not be in the best interest of the county.
