The Rundown – Ballard Aviation leases additional land at airport

Published on May 13, 2026

Airport terminal building

The Rundown is prepared by the City of Newton Communications Office to summarize the City Commission action and does not represent official Commission minutes.

7 p.m. May 12, 2026, Newton City Commission meeting

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Commission approved an agreement for Ballard Aviation to lease 17 acres of agricultural land just south and west of its facility at Newton City/County Airport.

Ballard has operated at the airport since 2008, offering aircraft sales, maintenance, and modifications. The adjacent agricultural land has been cultivated with wheat, and during harvest time, the debris in the air is a nuisance for Ballard’s operations and has even damaged some aircraft.

Ballard will pay the City $150 per acre for the ground lease. The City previously had received $95 per acre for the farming lease.

In other action, the City Commission:

  1. Received a 2027 budget request from Safehope for $12,000.
  2. Updated the City Commission Policy Manual to include a livestreaming policy.
  3. Approved a temporary alcohol permit for the Big Fat Fun concert in Military Park on May 30.
  4. Approved a temporary alcohol permit and request for City services for Sand Creek Summer Daze Festival on June 19-20.
  5. Approved a request to close Athletic Park Circle on June 20 for the Cookie Daze 5K.
  6. Approved an agreement to provide building inspection services to the City of Peabody.
  7. Proclaimed May 11-16 as National Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
  8. Proclaimed May 17-23 as National Public Works Week.

For more information, please contact Director of Communications Erin McDaniel at 316-284-6055 or emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com.

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