A bare bones budget was handed to Fairfield Council members during last week’s workshop on Thursday, July 6, 2017.

This had been requested during a previous workshop held near the end of May.

The budget is to include only the essential expenses required to keep the City functioning, along with anticipated streams of revenue.

“It’s going to be a tough year,” said City Administrator Jeff Looney. “The economy hasn’t been the best, and that affects our sales tax.”

The idea, with the bare bones budget, is to start with the City’s actual “needs,” and from there, build on with the “wants” requested by various departments and organizations, while staying within revenue projections.

At last week’s meeting, two organizations presented their budget requests for the year, while reporting on the services they have provided to Fairfield residents.

The Fairfield Public Library is requesting $44,100 from the City of Fairfield this year.

“We appreciate that you reach out to young people,” remarked Council member Kenny Hughes, following the Library’s presentation about the recent renovations and active programs they provide.

“We’re excited,” stated Tammy Gawryszewski, who has assisted with grant writing, both for the completed renovations and upcoming technology grants.

“We’re excited that you’re excited,” remarked Mayor Roy Hill.

Fairfield EMS is asking for $125,000 from the City for the coming budget year.

“We have had the same budget the last three years,” says FEMS Director Billy Perez.

According to Perez, rural EMS programs are very dependent on Medicaid reimbursement, and this federal funding is set to expire at the end of the year, unless the President signs the bill to renew.

“I really appreciate the service I’ve gotten from you all,” stated Council member Joe Lee Kirgan.

Also at this meeting, Council members received a 2-month report for the new GO FAIRFIELD mobile app. Response has been very positive, and the number of app users has continued to grow each week.

The official mobile app of the City of Fairfield may be downloaded for free from the App Store, or get it on Google Play.

Fairfield Council is meeting Tuesday, July 11th in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m.

Budget Workshops are scheduled for that same evening at 6:30 p.m. and on Thursday, July 13th at 6:00 p.m.