The Fairfield City Council met Tuesday night at Fairfield City Hall, approving the city’s 2027 tax levy, agreements for animal control services, business district funding, and several expenditures related to infrastructure projects.
The council approved a 4.99 percent increase in the city’s 2027 tax levy, payable in 2028. Mayor Gary Moore said the proposed levy totals $1,089,052, an increase of $51,760 over the previous year.
Moore explained that a significant portion of the levy supports the city’s police and fire pension obligations. The fire pension fund is currently 80.7 percent funded, while the police pension fund stands at 40.1 percent, approximately $6.4 million below its funding target.
Despite the increase, Moore said the city would remain approximately $75,000 short of the state’s minimum required contribution to the police pension fund. He indicated he would work with the city treasurer to address the shortfall.
The council heard a request from Lori Beppler of K&M Diner for financial assistance with a roof replacement estimated to cost between $33,000 and $35,000 following storm damage.
Beppler explained that the owners are disputing their insurance company’s initial assessment and are awaiting a report from a forensic engineer.
Moore said the request would be reviewed by the city’s business district committee, which would determine whether the project qualifies for assistance and recommend a funding amount for council consideration.
In other action, aldermen approved distributing $441,850 in surplus funds from Tax Increment Financing District Number One to local taxing bodies.
The council also approved approximately $24,000 in business district assistance for the Fairfield Elks Lodge. The funding will support improvement projects totaling just under $100,000.
The council approved the lowest bids submitted for water treatment chemicals for the upcoming season.
Aldermen also authorized two payment requests associated with the Leininger Road waterline project, including $105,285.46 to Stone and Wagner and $456,227.62 to Kiefer Brothers.
Moore presented two pollution liability insurance options through CSI Insurance in Fairfield. One proposal provides $1 million in coverage with an annual premium of $34,544 and a $25,000 deductible. A second option offers $2 million in coverage at an annual cost of $44,091.
The proposed coverage would apply only to city-owned property and would include vandalism but exclude terrorism.
Following discussions at previous meetings, the council approved a 12-month agreement with Southern Illinois Critter Fixers at a cost of $1,000 per month.
The organization will operate a trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program aimed at controlling Fairfield’s community cat population.
Mary Murphy, representing Southern Illinois Critter Fixers, outlined plans for seven authorized feeding locations, evening feeding schedules, and trapping operations. The organization will provide reports detailing expenditures and the number of animals handled.
Murphy said trapping activities could be limited during colder weather, with winter months used for gathering information about the cat population. Kittens suitable for adoption may also be removed from colonies.
Council members emphasized that the program does not eliminate pet owners’ responsibility to properly care for their animals and have them spayed or neutered.
In separate action, aldermen approved increasing the city’s contract with the Wayne County Humane Society from $2,000 per month to approximately $3,666 per month, or $44,000 annually.
Moore said the organization originally requested $52,800 per year.
The agreement generated discussion among council members regarding the Humane Society’s responsiveness to complaints involving stray and loose animals.
Some aldermen questioned whether the increased expenditure would result in improved service, particularly in situations involving dogs running loose.
Moore said the arrangement would be closely monitored and could be terminated with 90 days’ notice if the organization failed to meet expectations. He also acknowledged that the city could reconsider establishing its own animal control operation, although doing so would require additional personnel and expenses.
The council approved approximately $18,390 in Christmas bonuses for city employees.
The bonuses include $3,450 for 23 part-time employees and approximately $14,940 for 59 full-time employees. Full-time bonuses are calculated using a $200 base amount plus $5 for each year of service.
Mayor Moore declined to accept a Christmas bonus.
During his monthly financial report, Moore said city expenses for October totaled $2,092,702, resulting in a monthly net loss of $12,219.
Year-to-date revenue stands at $10,837,389, compared with expenses of $10,621,566, leaving a positive net balance of $215,823.
October cash flow was negative $71,487, while year-to-date cash flow remained positive at $441,038.
The city’s general fund balance was reported at $1,919,175.39, with an additional $1,229,209 in interest-bearing certificates of deposit.
Moore noted that approximately $441,000 in approved TIF distributions would soon be paid from the city’s checking account.
The council approved the minutes from its October 13th meeting and bills submitted since the previous meeting. No public comments were offered.
A scheduled audit presentation from Kemper CPA was postponed because the firm’s representative was ill. The presentation is now expected during the council’s December 8th meeting.