Leesburg Town Council adopts Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

The Leesburg Town Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Six-Year Capital Improvements Program at its March 25 meeting.

The entire Fiscal Year 2026 budget, including the General Fund, the Capital Projects Fund, and the Utilities Fund, is $157.1 million.

The budget maintains the current real property tax rate of 17.74 cents per $100 of assessed value. With an average increase of 6.7% in assessments for residential units, the average increase to homeowner’s annual tax bill will be $70 or $5.87 per month.

The General Fund budget totals $87 million. The key enhancements approved include:

• A Cybersecurity Officer in the Information Technology Department;
• A Police Lieutenant and a Police Information Technology Manager; and
• A Transportation Engineer.

The Council also contributed $100,000 towards the construction of the visitor center at the George C. Marshall International Center and $25,000 for the cemetery project at St. James’ Episcopal Church, through use of the one-time contributions from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

The Six-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2026-2031 totals $367.6 million and includes 75 projects, including 12 new projects. The CIP also includes increased funding of the Town’s street paving program inclusive of a dedicated position for a Pavement and Bridges Manager.

In Fiscal Year 2026, the Town anticipates completion of the expansion and renovation project of the Leesburg Police Department Public Safety Center. The Town also anticipates opening Veterans Park at Balls Bluff and Pickleball Courts adjacent to Freedom Park.

The Utilities Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2026 totals $39.7 million, including $8.1 million in capital projects. This budget represents the second year of a five-year rate plan adopted by the Council in 2024. The rate plan calls for an increase of 4.1% in the average residential utility bill.

The personal property tax rate remains at $1 per $100 of assessed value for motor vehicles and business tangible personal property. In February, the Council voted to eliminate the annual $25 vehicle license fee and reduced the personal property tax for motor vehicles of eligible elderly and disabled owners from 50 cents to zero.

“I am pleased that the Council was able to adopt a budget that keeps the real estate tax rate level, while funding essential Town services,” stated Mayor Kelly Burk. “The investments made by the Council will enhance our public safety and cybersecurity efforts; dedicate additional funding towards paving neighborhood streets; and provide the core Town services that our residents and businesses expect every day.”

The budget document is available on the Town website at www.leesburgva.gov/budget.