Council adopts higher hangar lease rates at Midway Regional Airport, effective Oct. 1

The Waxahachie City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to update hangar lease rates at Midway Regional Airport after a professional appraisal recommended adjustments to align rates with comparable airports and local inflation.

Dustin Dill, senior director of administrative services, said Airport and Aviation’s Appraisals conducted a review of hangar sizes, amenities and comparable regional rates and recommended raising rates for tee hangars and box hangars. The airport board recommended the change 4–1 on March 13, 2025, and staff recommended council adopt the ordinance. Dill said the adjustments will take effect Oct. 1, 2025, to align with the city’s budget process and to allow notice to tenants.

Staff estimated the adjustment would increase annual airport revenue by about $40,000 and that the money would support airport operations, infrastructure and maintenance to reduce pressure on the city’s general fund. Council members discussed whether the appraisal considered supply and demand and whether hangar inspections and rules on storage and airworthiness were being enforced. Staff confirmed the airport manager performs at least annual inspections and that leases require aircraft to be mobile and airworthy; staff also said they are working on hangar expansion plans.

After questions about past ad hoc increases and the timing of future rate reviews, a council motion to approve the ordinance passed unanimously. Council members said the city should review hangar fees annually going forward and coordinate with Midlothian on future airport investments.