Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing TIRZ #2 Funding for Police and Fire Personnel Servicing Commercial Air Service At McKinney National Airport
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Maximize the Development Potential of McKinney National Airport
• 3.1: Implement initiatives and strategies, including public-private partnerships, to attract and expand corporate and commercial aviation including the viability of passenger service.
• 3.2: Identify and implement land use regulations and policies that preserve and expand long-term operational excellence.
MEETING DATE: August 18, 2026
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
CONTACT: Barry Shelton, Assistant City Manager
Ken Carley, Airport Director
Joe Ellenburg, Police Chief
Paul Dow, Fire Chief
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approve resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This resolution approves $1,252,319 in TIRZ #2 funding for Police and Fire Personnel for commercial air service at McKinney National Airport.
• The transition to commercial airline service brings new federal safety and security requirements that are mandatory for the Airport to operate scheduled passenger flights.
• Unlike a general aviation airport, commercial service airports must maintain dedicated Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel and law enforcement officers (LEOs) to meet FAA and TSA regulations. These requirements are conditions of the Airport's operating certificate and Airport Security Program and are essential to protecting passengers, aircraft, and airport facilities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• TIRZ #2 Project Plan states the following:
o “The following initiatives are included in the current plan for the Airport:
• Focus on Business Aviation Activity
• Continue to Assess Perimeter Access Control and Airport Security
• Continue to Prepare for Commercial Passenger Service
o The key to these initiatives will be the investment in airport related projects (i.e., airport facilities & related services, public infrastructure, and land acquisition)…”
• Fire:
o FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 139) require commercial service airports to maintain a minimum number of ARFF vehicles and trained personnel based on the size and type of commercial aircraft served.
o ARFF personnel are responsible for responding to aircraft emergencies, protecting passengers, and supporting rescue operations.
o The FAA requires ARFF personnel and equipment to reach the farthest runway and begin firefighting operations within three minutes of an aircraft emergency.
o With the introduction of commercial passenger service at the new terminal, the Fire Department will enhance its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) response capability to support commercial passenger operations.
o Currently, each 24-hour shift is staffed with one ARFF Driver/Engineer assigned to the ARFF vehicle, providing continuous ARFF coverage for the airport’s general aviation operations.
o During commercial service hours, ARFF staffing will increase from one to three personnel through the addition of an ARFF Captain and an ARFF Firefighter.
o The estimated annual overtime cost associated with these two additional positions is $424,084.
o Outside of commercial service hours, ARFF staffing will continue under the current staffing model.
o This staffing configuration provides the personnel necessary to establish incident command, protect passenger evacuation routes, and initiate aircraft fire suppression in the event of an emergency involving a commercial airliner.
o During commercial service hours, it enables the Fire Department to provide ARFF coverage for commercial passenger operations while maintaining continuous coverage for the airport’s general aviation operations, ensuring that both commercial and general aviation activities are supported safely and effectively.
• Police:
o TSA regulations (49 CFR Part 1542) require commercial service airports to provide sufficient law enforcement officers to support the Airport Security Program.
o LEOs provide law enforcement support for passenger screening operations, respond to security incidents, and protect the airport's secure and sterile areas.
o McKinney National Airport’s Airport Security Program requires law enforcement officers to respond to passenger screening checkpoints within five minutes. Maintaining this response capability is a federal requirement for airports serving scheduled commercial passenger flights.
o To meet the security requirements set out in the Airport Security Plan, the Police Department will deploy an eight (8) officer airport unit led by one (1) dedicated sergeant.
o Personnel will be required to adhere to various time and security protocols throughout their shift established by TSA and various city policies. There will always be a minimum of two officers on site and officers will work 12-hour shifts to cover the terminal.
o Officers will be in place a minimum of two hours prior to the first flight and will stay until after the last flight has landed and the terminal is clear. Initially there will be an overlap of officers which allows for at least three perimeter inspections per day in addition to other required locations outlined in the Airport Security Plan.
o Additionally, officers are trained in active attack response and ICS protocols and will work with other units to mitigate challenges that may occur when responding to a critical incident at the airport.
o The police department will provide law enforcement services including maintaining public safety, emergency response, and support of TSA operations.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• This request is for $1,252,319 from TIRZ #2 fund balance to fund the following:
o Fire - $424,084 for overtime costs associated with two additional positions during commercial service operations.
o Police - $828,235 for salaries for five Police Officers
• Commercial service will establish multiple recurring revenue streams for the Airport, including airline rates and charges, parking, rental cars, concessions, and other non-airline revenues that are expected to grow as passenger activity increases.
• During the initial years of commercial service, the TIRZ is intended to help fund public safety personnel and other eligible costs while the Airport's revenue base matures.
• Over time, airport-generated operating revenues are expected to assume a greater share of operating and maintenance costs, reducing reliance on the TIRZ funding.
• In addition, FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) will provide dedicated funding for eligible capital projects, supporting the Airport's long-term financial sustainability while generating broader economic and tax benefits for the City and surrounding community.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A