Leesburg Airport Commission Meeting Summary - October 16, 2026

The Leesburg Airport Commission convened on October 16, 2026, in a regular session. Commissioners present included Timothy, Don, Tom Ryan, and Walter, establishing a quorum. The meeting focused on the proposed personal property tax on aircraft, the fiscal year 2028 operating budget and potential fee increases, redevelopment of the Condo Hangar parcel, and operational updates.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was adopted by a motion and a second, with all in favor.
• Meeting minutes from August 2026 were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A representative from the FBO praised the recent air show, noting it was exceptionally smooth and well-attended (~12,000 people). He recommended reaching out to a potential corporate sponsor, citing a history of $25,000–$50,000 in annual sponsorship commitments in similar markets.
• The commission discussed a resident’s request for broader dissemination of noise complaint data. Commissioner Tom Saxon volunteered to serve as the point of contact for a resident from Evergreen Meadows with specific noise concerns.

Discussion Items

Personal Property Tax Briefing

• The commission reviewed a briefing prepared by Mike May and Scott Kuhn regarding a request from the Town Council to weigh in on a potential increase to the personal property tax on aircraft.
• Commission Position: Members argued strongly against the proposed tax, citing the airport is already a net positive cash flow generator, and tenants already pay significant fees (annual user fees of $98 to $1,800, Loudoun County property tax on hangars, and fuel flow fees).
• Economic Risk: Commissioners identified the primary risk as driving away large corporate jet operators, who they stated contribute disproportionately to the airport's fuel revenue and local economic activity. They cited Winchester’s experience of raising and then lowering similar taxes after negative impacts on operations.
• Decision: The commission directed staff to refine the presentation to emphasize the existing financial burden on tenants and the economic risk of losing corporate aviation. This data will be presented to the Town Council in November.

Fiscal Year 2028 Budget & Fee Adjustments

• Airport Director Scott presented the FY28 budget, highlighting an estimated $80,000–$100,000 increase driven by personnel and operating costs.
• A significant debate occurred on whether to raise user fees.
  • Staff Proposal: Scott proposed raising tie-down rates ($120/month, unchanged since 2013) and T-hangar rates ($500–$700/month, unchanged for 3 years) to offset rising costs and prepare for capital projects.
  • Commissioner Positions: Commissioner Tom argued that 100% occupancy indicates rates are too low, supporting a small, equitable increase. Commissioner Ryan agreed an increase is justified but requested detailed data before a formal vote. Commissioner Walter cautioned that Leesburg is already the most expensive airport in the region, stating “Part of the game is keeping it low for everyone… people will vote with their feet.”
  • FBO Feedback: A representative suggested that modest, CPI-aligned annual increases are the bare minimum for maintaining the airport’s infrastructure and financial health.
• Decision: The commission will analyze inflation-adjusted fee structures and bring a specific proposal back for a vote, with any changes likely effective in July 2027.

Condo Hangar Parcel & South End Development

• The commission explored maximizing the airfield footprint after the mandatory demolition of old octagon hangars for the taxiway relocation.
• Visual Presentation: Staff presented a conceptual layout of 49 new T-hangars on the parcel, which an engineer must validate against FAA standards.
• Discussion: Members debated building vs. private development. Building generates debt but retains long-term revenue. The group favored T-hangars on this parcel for general aviation piston aircraft, reserving the West Side for larger box hangars and FBO development.
• Outcome: Staff will continue engineering and financial assessments for the parcel and the South End, which is awaiting state grant funding.

Control Tower Progress

• The control tower project design is 100% complete. Funding has reached $6.25 million of the $18 million target. An application for additional FAA discretionary funds is being submitted.
• Beacon Placement: The commission discussed the rotating beacon. While the sighting study does not currently support moving it from the old tower, the new tower base will be prepared for potential future installation.

Operations, Noise, and Community Outreach

• YTD operations are up 5.8% over the previous year. Jet fuel sales have increased significantly.
• Noise Complaints: The commission discussed sharing data more transparently. Staff proposed a quarterly report correlating complaint numbers with total operations to provide context. The commission was cautiously receptive, noting public meetings already offer a platform for these discussions.
• Night Operations: The voluntary curfew on pattern work (10 PM to 7 AM) was reinforced. The AWAS recording now explicitly discourages “no pattern work” during these hours.

Mural Project Update

• The public art mural project has funding to cover approximately $2,000 of a $15,000 gap. The commission will formally request the remaining funds from the Town Council. A commissioner questioned the material costs, and one expressed a desire to remove the item from future agenda items.

Key Outcomes

• Personal Property Tax: Staff will provide a refined, data-driven briefing to the Town Council emphasizing the existing economic contributions and fee structures at the airport, positioning against the proposed tax increase.
• User Fee Increase: The commission reached a clear consensus for a nominal, inflation-based increase to tie-down and hangar fees. Staff will present specific rates ($20–$40 range for tie-downs suggested by members) for a formal vote at the next meeting.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting was officially rescheduled from November 11 to Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM, due to the Veterans Day holiday.