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Lincoln Airport Authority tax-levy request approved after public opposition
Summary
The council approved the Lincoln Airport Authority's request to maintain its tax levy; airport officials cited passenger growth and infrastructure needs while at least one resident, Robert Wei, urged caution about ongoing operational subsidies for airlines.
The Lincoln City Council voted to approve the Lincoln Airport Authority's request to hold its airport tax levy at the same rate as last year, approving the measure on Aug. 10 with a 6–0 roll call.
Airport Authority Chairman Chris Hove and Executive Director Anthony Dudas told the council the levy supports long‑term capital needs, air‑service development and an industrial‑park master plan. Dudas said the authority planned to pair local levy dollars with federal, state and private funding as opportunities arise and argued the levy helps "grow reliable and sustainable air service for our community." He told the council the authority was "proposing to hold, steady" the levy for 2027 as it continues strategic investments.
At public comment, resident Robert Wei said he opposed using local taxes to subsidize airline service and questioned whether the jobs created by AirPark are living‑wage positions. "We give them money so they stay here," Wei said, urging council members to consider how long operational subsidy would continue and what accountability the airport would provide. Chairman Hove responded that the board takes levy spending seriously and said the funds are being used primarily for infrastructure projects in the air park and other capital needs.
Council members asked clarifying questions during the presentation; the motion to approve the tax levy request passed on a voice/roll call vote recorded as 6–0. The levy will fund a mix of nonbonded projects for 2027 including air‑service development, reconstruction of Northwest 36th Street, and planning work in the Airport Industrial Park.
Provenance: Lincoln City Council public hearing, presentation by the Lincoln Airport Authority (SEG 404'03 639) and public comment by Robert Wei (SEG 699'03 757).
