The Fairfield City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting last (Tuesday) night.
The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the June 10th meeting and April 8th executive session. The council also approved all bills submitted since June 10th following a unanimous roll call vote.
The council approved the appropriations ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year (May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026), which projects $24,889,761 in revenue and $26,408,605 in expenditures, resulting in a projected shortfall of $1,518,844.
The council approved the sale of city-owned property along Southwest 10th Street directly south of the M-Pressions Dance Studio to Jason Robinson for $10,000. Robinson plans to construct a laundromat on the site, and City Attorney, Darrin Rice will continue working with Robinson to finalize the transaction.
Two resolutions were approved under the Business Tax District program:
Nicole Simpson from Farmer’s Daughter will receive $4,000 from the city to match her $8,000 investment in new second-floor windows.
An amendment was approved for Reta Matthews on behalf of Classic Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, increasing the city’s contribution from $2,500 to $4,500 due to contractor changes. The total project cost remains $9,000.
A new leachate disposal agreement was approved with the Wayne County Landfill, establishing a direct pipeline connection and a two-cent per gallon charge for the life of the project. The city currently generates between $100,000 and $150,000 annually from leachate revenue.
The council approved a $60,000 appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax funds for repairs on South First St.
A utility easement was granted to Ameren for access to their substation that will be constructed on property they have purchased on SW 7th St. Ameren plans to put in a transmission line that will go from Albion to Mt. Vernon. Mayor Moore says the transmission line will be beneficial to the city with the substation located on SW 7th St. Alderman Cheryl Eckleberry abstained from the vote.
The council authorized street closures for two upcoming events:
The Fall Fun Fest, to be held September 16th to the 21st. Mayor Moore says the city will be closing the street for the Fun Fest committee a little earlier than usual to give the committee proper time to mark the spots for vendors and also offer vendors the opportunity to set up earlier downtown. The street closures will affect the 100 through 300 block of East Main, the 100 block of SE 3rd and SE 2nd St and the 100 block of NE 3rd and NE 2nd St. The request will be sent to the state for their final approval. Mayor Moore says the street closing will begin at 8pm Tuesday, September 16th until 6am Sunday, September 21st.
Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, scheduled for July 14th through July 18th. Douglas St between South 1st and SE 2nd St will be closed during the hours of 5pm to 8pm Monday through Friday.
The June financial report showed:
Expenses: $1,631,170
Revenues: $1,560,852
Monthly shortfall: $70,318
Year-to-date, the city has spent $3,349,961 and brought in $3,176,373, leaving a $173,588 deficit. The general fund balance stood at $2,204,371, with an additional $1,095,981 in a CD account.
Council members raised concerns about a crack in the road on Taritori Lane off Enterprise Rd and asked aldermen to report missing or damaged street signs in their wards. Mayor Gary Moore gave updates on code enforcement, the 4th of July event, which drew a large crowd to Southwest Park and ongoing discussions with the Wayne County Humane Society regarding a possible ordinance banning the feeding of feral cats.
The Mayor also reported on the diesel fuel spill in Johnson Creek, indicating the spill traced back to the old power plant, and cleanup efforts are currently underway. He also noted that progress at Lakeside Park reservoir is pending, as the farm bill funding has not yet been approved with Mayor Moore saying this is where the funding for the project will come from.
The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session to discuss employee compensation and performance assistance with no action taken following the executive session.
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