City of Fargo and Municipal Airport Authority Agree to Begin Separation Processes

Through terms of a mutually-agreed upon Term Sheet, The City of Fargo and the Municipal Airport Authority (MAA) have begun a process for a separation of the two entities. The Term Sheet (attached on page two of this Release) will serve as a road map to allow substantive changes to the relationship between the two organizations.

On or before April 15, 2021, the MAA will provide a detailed report containing a “transition timeline” to ascertain providers for services currently offered by the City and paid for by the MAA (including those related to finances, information services, payroll and other human resource services). These new services will need to be fully implemented on or before December 31, 2021. Upon the approval of the MAA-provided transition plan by the City Commission, Airport employees will no longer be City employees as of December 31, 2021.

The Fargo City Commission will continue to appoint members to the MAA and the MAA will report detailed information to the City on the Airport’s financial management, audit and safety programs.

“As our contractual relationship with the MAA evolves, it is without question that Hector International will continue to be a vital community asset for the Fargo-Moorhead metro. The MAA will be fully tasked with overseeing the further development of the Airport to meet the aviation needs of the region. We look forward to members of the public providing the MAA with their input and suggestions. Forging a new relationship with the Airport Authority is a win-win as it maintains the integrity of the City’s pay plan and provides a path for more autonomy of the MAA, while ensuring continued involvement by the City,” said Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney.

“The MAA looks forward to this transition and believes it will proceed smoothly. We further look forward to building a synergistic relationship with the City that will best benefit the customers we serve. The MAA will continue in our goal to supply the best experience to the flying public, and the businesses we serve, who make this City and surrounding areas grow and prosper. The MAA welcomes input from the public as we continue to build the Airport that tomorrow’s Fargo will need,” remarked Airport Authority Chair Erik Lind.