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Evans County approves 2026 budget including new levy to shore up Linton airport
Summary
County commissioners approved a 2026 budget that includes a 3.63-mill airport levy intended to cover a roughly $80,000–$160,400 shortfall at the Linton airport after years of operating deficits and rising costs. The decision followed extended public discussion about grants, board representation and long-term sustainability.
Evans County commissioners approved the county’s proposed 2026 budget during a public hearing that includes a new airport levy designed to cover recurring shortfalls at the Linton airport.
The budget as adopted includes a 3.63-mill levy for the airport, which the county estimated would generate about $160,400 in local revenue. Commissioners and members of the airport board discussed that the airport has a recurring annual shortfall (board estimates cited roughly $40,000–$80,000 this past year) and that federal and state grants historically covered the majority of capital work. Roderick Martin, representing the airport board, summarized the grant math: “the federal's paid 90%, the state pays 5%, and we're responsible for 5%.”
Why it matters: commissioners said the airport supports emergency medical flights and agricultural aviation operations and that losing the facility would reduce regional emergency access and raise costs for aerial applicators and other users. Board members and public commenters noted the airport’s GPS approach and its use by fixed-wing and helicopter medical flights as evidence of regional importance.
What commissioners and the airport board discussed: attendees described the airport as a joint venture between the city of Linton and the county, with the city historically levying 4 mills to support it. Airport representatives said the county levy would extend countywide so all county residents would share the cost. Airport board members told the commission they plan to recruit additional county representatives to the airport board and explore operational steps — including pursuing federal and state grants — to reduce recurring deficits.
Questions from residents focused on alternatives to a levy. Speakers raised options such as: charging user fees to aerial applicators, seeking donations from large private aviation or agricultural companies, selling airport land, or selling fuel and hangar rents. Airport representatives and pilots said charging acreage-based fees or billing farmers directly would create logistical and accounting difficulties for operators. The board also described limited revenue options under federal airport rules: hangar rent and flowage fees are allowable; fuel sales require infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
Legal and funding constraints were central to the discussion. Speakers noted that certain grant programs require local matching or sustaining local levies; commissioners emphasized that cutting a levy could disqualify the county from some federal and state funding streams for airport and road projects.
What the county decided next: after extended public comment and internal discussion, a motion to approve the proposed budget — which includes the 3.63-mill airport levy — passed by voice vote. Commissioners and some commenters indicated they will continue to seek grants, donor support and board restructuring to reduce the airport’s reliance on local property taxes in future years.
Ending note: commissioners and airport representatives agreed to continue outreach (to pilots, regional aeronautics authorities and state legislators) and to review board composition and fundraising options, while the approved levy provides immediate budget relief for the 2026 fiscal year.
