The Fairfield City Council met in regular session Thursday night instead of Tuesday due to Veteran’s Day. The council approved the minutes from the October 14th meeting and the bills submitted since the last council meeting through roll call votes.
In routine business, the council discussed an intergovernmental agreement between IECC FCC and the city of Fairfield regarding water service for a new athletic facility. Mayor, Gary Moore says the agreement stipulated that the city’s responsibility for repairs would end 5 feet from the exterior face of the foundation wall where the pipe enters the building, with IECC FCC responsible for repairs beyond that point. The water meter would be located inside the building but remain the responsibility of the city. After brief discussion about remote-ready meters, the council unanimously approved the agreement.
The council then heard two business tax district requests. The first was from Samantha Baker of 6-Juan-8 Bakery, who requested reimbursement for a new sign costing $3,200. The sign was installed to increase visibility and foot traffic. The second request came from Roderick Vaughn representing the Charles Vaughn estate, seeking reimbursement for facade improvements at the old Vaughn’s Grocery Store at 712 East Main St. totaling $18,639.20. There was discussion about the building’s current use (personal storage) and its previous condemned status. City Attorney, Darrin Rice noted that the estate is court-supervised and would need court permission for transactions. Both requests were referred to committee for recommendations.
The council approved an ordinance for the Fairfield tax levy at 4.99%, which would generate $1,108,564, up from the previous year’s 7.99% that generated $1,055,876. Mayor Gary Moore detailed the allocation of funds to various departments, noting that police pension funding would meet the actuary’s recommendation of $540,000. A resolution declaring surplus TIF district funds of $408,384 for distribution to various taxing bodies was approved. The council also received information about a clean Motor Fuel Tax audit compliance report and approved a resolution to appropriate Motor Fuel funds for street improvements on Southwest 7th Street and West Lakeview Drive, with engineering costs estimated at $400,000.
The council was informed about the initiation of proceedings regarding a fire-damaged residence at 208 Southwest 7th Street. They also approved the renewal of Risk Management Insurance at a one-time payment of $216,445.49, following Mayor Moore’s recommendation to take advantage of the early payment discount.
The 2026 fireworks display for the city was scheduled for Thursday, July 2nd, with a budget of approximately $15,000 ($10,000 from the city and $5,000 from the recreational committee).
Christmas bonuses for city employees were approved, following the established formula of $200 plus $5 per year of service, with a total cost of approximately $20,000. The council voted separately on bonuses for the fire department and other city workers (excluding the mayor) due to council member, Eugene McGill being a volunteer firefighter.
The financial report showed October expenses of $1,825,350 against revenues of $1,783,541, resulting in a loss of $41,808. Year-to-date figures showed expenses of $11,108,158 against revenues of $10,198,414, for a loss of $909,743. Mayor Moore noted that approximately $800,000 of expenses were related to environmental cleanup at the power plant, and he planned to present a plan at the next meeting to address financial concerns.
The meeting concluded with praise for the recreational committee’s successful Halloween festivities held in downtown Fairfield on October 31st.
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