SIDNEY - The Sidney Airport Authority will go before the City Council this week to request a 26% increase in funding from the city levy.

The Airport Authority requested $169,350.44 for the fiscal year in 2020. Council approved $128,244.53. This year, board members are are asking $173,357.00 from the city.

Sidney City Manager David Scott says the 26% increase seems high, but understands they have suffered, as the city has, the last few fiscal years. The airport is now using their reserves to meet operating costs. 

Scott recommends the city council allocate $159,449.00 to the airport, or an 18% increase over last year's amount.

The City of Sidney turned over operations of the airport to the Airport Authority in 1979. Board members are elected via ballot. 

Council members will also considered a request from Sidney Police Chief Joe Aikens to purchase a new vehicle for the department.

Aikens wants to replace the 2004 Chevy Trailblazer investigative vehicle with either a Dodge Durango GT or a Buick Enclave Essence. Both vehicles would cost the city between $28,000 and $29,000 and would be purchased from a local dealership. 

The current investigative SUV has 117,000 miles on it and is beginning to show its age.

The Sidney City Council meets at City Hall on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.