Evans County approves 2026 budget including 3.63-mill airport levy to cover shortfall

Evans County approved a tentative 2026 budget that includes a proposed 3.63-mill levy intended to raise about $160,400 to cover the Linton Airport’s operating shortfall and to support planned projects, county staff said.

The levy was the central topic at a public budget hearing in the county commission chambers where airport board members, county staff, elected officials and residents discussed grants, past shortfalls and whether the county should assume ongoing airport costs. "We decided at 5 months ago that we were gonna do what we can to save this airport rather than lose a facility like this because once it's gone, it's gone," one county commissioner said during public comment.

Why it matters: Linton Airport officials and aviation supporters told commissioners the airport handles emergency medical and fixed-wing flights and requires local match money to qualify for federal and state grants. Airport representatives said the facility has had shortfalls in recent years — roughly $40,000–$80,000 in the most recent year — and sought a county mill levy to stabilize operations and support planned projects that rely on state and federal matching funds.

What county staff presented: County staff said the overall budget would increase county tax revenue by about $164,468 compared with the prior year and that most of that net increase is driven by the new airport levy. Staff emphasized the airports and some other funds are subject to minimums or maximums that affect eligibility for state or federal grant programs. "You have to levy the 18 mills or we do not qualify for any flex grant funding," county staff said of the unorganized road district levy in a separate explanation of grant-eligibility rules.

Airport board response: Roger Martin, representing the airport board, said the airport has invested in projects funded primarily by federal and state grants but faces an ongoing local shortfall. Martin said federal grants commonly pay the majority of project costs while the airport must provide a local match and ongoing operating funds. Airport board members present listed prior donor support, a recent $20,000 contribution from the county development corporation (LIDC), and ongoing grant applications.

Public concerns and questions: Speakers pressed for more transparency and details about governance and finances. One resident asked to see the airport’s audited statements; board members and county staff responded that city audits are public records and encouraged citizens to request them. Concerns included whether the county would take on airport debt, what representation county residents would have on the airport board and whether the levy would be permanent. "We're assisting with a shortfall that they have every year rather than losing a $12,000,000 airport," a commissioner said during the discussion.

Funding mechanics and limits: Airport board members explained they requested 3.63 mills, not the full 4-mill maximum available for that levy, and that the mill is assessed against the county valuation (not just the city). Staff warned that reducing some levies can make the county ineligible for matching grants for other infrastructure projects; conversely, using one-time permit revenues to buy down levies could reduce permanent revenue streams and affect future capacity.

Outcome and next steps: After roughly two hours of public comment and commissioner discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the tentative 2026 budget "as presented." The motion was seconded; commissioners continued limited discussion and then approved the tentative budget as presented. The approved tentative budget as presented keeps the airport levy in place and leaves further questions about future funding, board composition and grant strategy for subsequent meetings.

What’s next: County staff said the budget will be finalized in future statutory steps (tax levy certification and final adoption) and that commissioners will continue to meet with the airport board and state aeronautics staff about grant opportunities and governance details. Citizens were urged to request public audit records from City Hall or the auditor’s office for further financial review.