Commissioners press airport authority for levy limits and elected oversight as levy proposal advances

Stearns County commissioners used the Aug. 12 meeting to press for greater accountability and limits on the Saint Cloud Airport Authority as the authority signals it may seek a property-tax levy. Board members said they want elected representation on the authority’s governing board and a clearly defined levy cap if the authority proceeds with taxing.

Background: The airport authority previously moved to institute a property-tax levy and then rescinded that action. County staff and commissioners have met with the airport authority and with officials from Benton and Sherburne counties; a larger meeting that will include the City of Saint Cloud and the authority is scheduled for later in August.

Key points from the board discussion: • Levy and governance: Commissioners said the authority’s bylaws currently allow a levy and that the county wants a clear levy limit and elected officials on the governing board. Commissioners said the city has been providing both administrative and in-kind services (for example, law enforcement and fire coverage) and asked that those services be maintained or funded if they stop. • Accountability and disclosure: Several commissioners said they had found the airport authority’s public minutes brief and unanimously decided items appeared without much recorded discussion; they want more transparency and more regular reporting to the counties. • Financial context: Commissioners noted the city currently contributes about $620,000 per year and that a property-tax levy would fall primarily on county taxpayers outside the city; they urged airport leaders to pursue additional revenues such as parking fees, naming rights and commercial development to reduce pressure for taxes.

County staff said the authority has the power under its agreement to levy before a previously discussed 10-year window, and that continued discussion among the three counties, the city and the authority is needed. Commissioners directed the county chair, vice chair and staff to represent the board in upcoming negotiations and to press for the protections discussed.

Why it matters: A property-tax levy by a regional airport authority would change the local tax burden and create governance and accountability issues for the counties that are signatories to the authority agreement. Commissioners said they want clearer limits and elected representation before a levy is imposed.

What’s next: County leadership will meet with the airport authority, the City of Saint Cloud and other partner counties later in August to press for levy limits, elected representation on the authority board and continued city-provided services.