The Fairfield City Council met for their second November session last night, working through a very light agenda.
2 TIF requests were approved, They included:
Jen Vaughan d/b/a No Tan Line received $2,000 for exterior improvements to her property at 106 West Main St.
Austin Gibbs/New Gen Concrete LLC received $36,000 for construction of a new building on Williamson Dr. The new business will eventually create 10-12 new jobs.
Aldermen discussed the Tax Levy, which must be adopted at the next council meeting in December. Mayor Moore laid out a bleak picture regarding the Police & Fire Pension Funds, which are greatly underfunded. The Police Pension Fund is $5.5 million dollars underfunded, while the Fire Pension Fund is $1,295,000 underfunded. Moore stated that this underfunding issue has been neglected and kicked down the road for too long and must be addressed. The Finance Committee has been working on possibilities for additional revenue, with a 7.99% tax increase as one of the recommendations. A Truth In Taxation Hearing would have to be held prior to next months meeting since the proposed increase is above 5%. Alderman Dewey Eckleberry floated the idea of a Sales Tax increase, which would have to be approved in a referendum. The issue will be resolved at next months meeting.
Bids will be sought to paint the west water tower. The tower was constructed in 1992 and was recommended for maintenance by the city’s water engineer.
On November 30, the city’s water filtration system will be conducting maintenance on its filtering system, which may result in a temporary unusual taste in the water. The taste will disappear over a short time.
Wayne White announced that the new electric meters have arrived and residential installations will begin shortly. Residents will receive a robo-call advising them of their meter change. Home businesses and individuals with questions are urged to call Wayne White at 618 842 2196.