Airport business owner, county sue each other over contract disputes

A Minden-Tahoe Airport business owner and the county are suing each other for breach of contract.

Soar Minden owner Tony Sabino made good on his promise to sue the county for closing him down during the summer.

Sabino's conflict with the county prompted him to lead opposition to the revision of the airport weight ordinance during the general election campaign. The ordinance revision won by a narrow margin, resulting in the removal of a weight limit from county code.

Sabino has been a fixed base operator at the airport since Aug. 8, 2001.

Part of his agreement with the county was that Sabino would acquire 10,000 square feet of hangar space on the east side of the airport.

At the time there were no utilities on the east side. Sabino's lawsuit claims the county allowed him to continue operating until utilities could be installed.

According to documents filed with Douglas County District Court, Sabino said the county continued to waive requirements until two years ago when he received a letter from the airport manager saying he had to obtain the hangar space to come into compliance with the agreement.

On Nov. 18, 2009, the county sent Sabino a letter demanding that he obtain 10,000 square feet of hangar space or face reduction of services.

On Feb. 18 of this year, the county said Sabino failed to comply with the agreement and was no longer legal to provide some services.

According to the lawsuit, Sabino said the county amended the airport operating ordinance in an effort to alter the conditions under which he could operate his business.

He claims airport management removed signs belonging to his business.

In response, the county filed a counter claim, saying Sabino broke two agreements to manage the ramp in front of his business without giving the county the required 30-day notice.

The agreements were in effect for all of two months, according to the counter suit.