The Fairfield City Council met Tuesday evening for their second February meeting.
Shannon Woodard with the engineering firm of Conner & Conner, addressed the council to summarize the findings of a recently completed Water Rate Study. He explained that revenues from water & sewer were $3.2 million, while expenses for water & sewer were $3.3 million, leaving a gap pf $100,000.00. He further explained that the sewer portion was especially concerning, He presented a detailed written report for the council members, along with some recommendations for corrective action, Mayor Moore stated that the Water Committee and Finance Committee would have a combined meeting to digest the report and make recommendations to the council.
The council unanimously passed the ordinance amending the code concerning cemetery fees. They include an increase to $600 to open a grave, no Sunday burials, and no services after 12 noon on Saturday. These changes were discussed at length during the first February Council Meeting.
Libby Lingafelter made a presentation to the council concerning all the local festivities for the upcoming Eclipse. They include the launch of a new website Solareclipsefairfield2024.com. Numerous events are being planned including:
Friday, April 5 – Concert featuring Little Texas at the Fairgrounds, food trucks.
Saturday, April 6 – Family Day in the downtown area with food trucks, inflatables, etc. on the city parking lot east of the Post Office
Sunday, April 7 – Family Fun Day at the park featuring a church service, games , inflatables, etc.
Monday, April 8 – Eclipse Day – no formal festivities planned due to crowd and traffic concerns
Mayor Moore addressed the council and attendees regarding Gov. Pritzkers proposed elimination of the 1% tax on groceries. Moore stated that he certainly opposes the plan and that the proposal would cut $325 million from municipalities across the state at a time when funding is critical. The mayor said that the Illinois Municipal League was lobbying against the proposal and urged all municipal government agencies to vpoive their disapproval of the plan.
Alderman Eugene McGill was absent from the meeting.