Following the results of last week’s Special Election, the City of Fairfield is moving on from the Navarro campus acquisition and starting a new City Hall project.
Mayor Kenneth Hughes has put out an invitation to Fairfield residents to join the new City Hall committee. Applications are available at City Hall inside the Conference Center at 839 E. Commerce Street. Deadline is Monday, November 18th to apply for the committee.
On the ballot last week was a Proposition to approve the issuance of $2.65 Million of Certificates of Obligation.
These Certificates of Obligation were earmarked for several city projects, including the acquisition, renovation, and equipping of the former Navarro complex for a new city hall; rehabilitation of the Love Street Water Tower; and the Construction, Improvement and Repair of City Streets (including Oak Street) and Sidewalks, along with drainage improvements.
The Citizen’s Petition that triggered the Special Election focused on the acquisition and renovation of the Navarro complex, which was estimated to cost $1.4 Million.
The Proposition failed with 65.6% of citizens voting against the issuance of the Certificates of Obligation, thereby forcing Fairfield City Council to re-evaluate all of the proposed projects.
The final tally was 141 voting “For” and 269 voting “Against.”
Fairfield City Council met on Friday, November 8th and discussed several items in closed Executive Session, including Real Estate Deliberations – City Hall project; Consultation With Attorney – Update on City of Teague vs. City of Fairfield lawsuit; and the hiring of a new dispatcher for the Fairfield Police Department.
No action was taken in Open Session concerning the City Hall project, and no action on the Teague vs. Fairfield lawsuit.
Julie Lawrence was hired as a new dispatcher.
Fairfield Council will meet this Tuesday, November 12th for a regularly called meeting. On the agenda includes discussion and possible action to award the Oak Street paving bid.
For citizens interested in joining the new City Hall Project committee, applications must be returned by Monday, November 18, 2019.
Citizens will be selected by Mayor Hughes to join the new committee along with Councilman Landis Bayless, and City Administrator Nate Smith. The committee will evaluate options and make plans for a new City Hall for Fairfield, Texas.
