The Fairfield City Council met in regular session last (Tuesday) night at Fairfield City Hall.
The council approved purchasing a new 2027 Ram 3500 Crew Cab from Lemond’s Chevrolet-Chrysler for the fire department. The truck carries a purchase price of $49,858.63, with a $4,500 trade-in allowance and a $10,000 contribution from the Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board bringing the city’s net cost to $35,358.63.
Council members were also presented with an alternative bid of $42,303 for a used 2023 Ford F-350 with approximately 14,000 miles. The new Ram was selected as the more economical option.
In other financial business, the council unanimously approved paying the city’s risk-management insurance renewal in full at a cost of $222,922.07. The city had the option of making two payments but elected to pay the entire amount to take advantage of a discount.
The council also approved renewing the maintenance agreement with Albion Radio Communications.
Mayor, Gary Moore says several requests involving the city’s business district were discussed. Tyler Lampley appeared on behalf of the Fairfield Elks Club, reporting that the organization had invested approximately $100,000 in roof repairs, kitchen improvements and other work needed to restore operations. The club requested financial assistance or reimbursement for those improvements.
Council members approved $4,920 in business district funding for Trackside Auto Repair to install a digital sign.
A proposed business district agreement involving Carnaby Square was removed from the agenda, with no action taken.
Animal services were another topic of discussion. During public comments, Denise Allen questioned whether the city had approved a contract with the Wayne County Humane Society. City officials indicated that no agreement had been approved, although work on a contract was continuing.
The council also discussed a request from Southern Illinois Critter Fixers for a $20,000 contribution from the city. The organization proposed feeding cats at seven designated locations for 30 minutes each day, along with trapping efforts at those sites. No action was taken pending legal review of the proposed agreement and any necessary contract revisions.
In other business, the council authorized seeking bids for chemicals needed at the city’s water filtration plant for the coming year. Those bids will be brought back before the council for consideration and approval.
Action on the city’s property tax levy request was postponed until the next council meeting. Mayor Moore says the proposed increase was reported at 4.99 percent. During the discussion, Moore noted that more than 70 percent of the city’s property tax revenue goes toward police and fire protection, including related pension obligations.
The council also received documentation from the Illinois Department of Transportation confirming the city’s compliance with the Motor Fuel Tax Act. No council action was required.
During the financial report, Mayor Moore indicated the city recorded positive monthly income of approximately $523,000 and remained well ahead of its financial position at the same point the previous year. The previous year’s figures had been affected by an issue involving the city’s power plant.
Among announcements, an Uptown Halloween trick-or-treat event was scheduled for Friday, October 30th along with the Fairfield Fire Department’s annual chili supper, which will be conducted as a drive-through-only event.
The council also approved the minutes and bills presented during the meeting. No executive session was held.