Leesburg Town Council Meeting - March 10, 2026

The Leesburg Town Council met on March 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, approval of consent items, discussion of one-way street designations, approval of land purchase contracts, and a public hearing on the FY2027 proposed budget. Notably, the date in the transcript is incorrectly stated as 2025; the correct date per the agenda and metadata is March 10, 2026.

Proclamations

• Save Soil Day (March 21, 2026): Mayor Burke read a proclamation recognizing March 21, 2026, as Save Soil Day in Leesburg, highlighting the global movement to address soil degradation. Councilmember Nacy moved, Vice Mayor seconded; the proclamation passed 5-0-2. Allison Callaway accepted and spoke about the connection between "human" and "humus."
• Ramadan 2026: A proclamation recognizing the holy month of Ramadan was presented. Councilmember Cummings moved, Vice Mayor seconded; passed 5-0-2. Sajjad Ahmad, Executive Director of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), accepted and invited the public to iftar celebrations at the ADAMS Leesburg branch through March 19, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (Items 12a-d) was approved 5-0-2:
  • Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month
  • Fiscal Year 2027 Creative Communities Partnership Grant
  • Fixed Base Operator Second Lease Extension Agreement with Kuhn Jet Center, LLC
  • Appointment of Michael May to the Airport Commission

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak during the petitioners section or the public hearing. The public hearing on the FY2027 budget was closed with no testimony.

Discussion Items

• Designation and Modification of One-Way Side Streets (Resolution 13a): Councilmember Krukowski made a motion to approve the ordinance designating additional one-way streets. Councilmember Nacy seconded. During discussion, Krukowski proposed a friendly amendment to only make Wort Street one-way, but the amendment did not receive support. The mayor noted lack of consensus and the motion effectively failed; the council did not proceed with a vote. Staff's work was acknowledged.
• Approval of Contracts for Purchase of Rock Spring Farm Parcels (Resolution 13b): Councilmember Cummings moved to approve the contracts; Councilmember Nacy seconded. Supporters cited preservation of historic property, green space, and a sledding hill used for over 60 years. Vice Mayor opposed, arguing the price was double the appraisal, the property would never be developed, and the town was taking on too much debt. The motion passed 3-2-2 (3 in favor, 2 opposed, 2 abstentions).

Public Hearing: FY2027 Proposed Budget

• Staff presented the proposed budget: $201 million total, with a $94 million general fund. The budget maintains the real estate tax rate at 17.74 cents per $100 assessed value. Key uses of reserves include $3.7 million from debt service reserve, $1.5 million from data center revenue, and $2.1 million from unassigned fund balance for one-time costs. Two optional enhanced funding scenarios for pavement management and public safety were noted. Council discussed the strategic use of reserves, with Vice Mayor expressing concern about drawing down debt service reserves. The mayor clarified that the practice has been used successfully for years to avoid tax rate increases. No public speakers; the hearing was closed without action.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations approved 5-0-2 for Save Soil Day and Ramadan 2026.
• Consent agenda approved 5-0-2.
• One-way street ordinance – motion made and seconded but failed to advance due to lack of support; no formal vote.
• Rock Spring Farm purchase contracts approved 3-2-2.
• Budget public hearing held; no action taken. Next steps: final markup work session March 23, tax rate hearing March 24, and budget adoption.
• Council announcements: Mayor noted interpretive sign at Black History Mural, visits to Newton Elementary and Blue Ridge Middle School, start of Lawson Road Bridge construction, and a Meet the Mayor event at IHOP.