No one denies the City of Fairfield’s love and need of the Fairfield Library, not the City or the County, not the Mayor or citizens, and certainly not the people who have put in countless hours keeping the Library running.
A special meeting was held Tuesday, September 1, 2020, by the City of Fairfield Councilmen that allowed a discussion over the possible funding for Fairfield Library.
This meeting was attended via teleconferencing, and at time the sound quality made it very difficult to hear who was who, or to even hear them at all.
One visitor spoke early to point out that the Library is more than story time. Relationships are built there.
City Administrator Nate Smith stated that the Library is a valued asset and it will continue to be, and that discussions have begun for funding and long term framework for funding.
Smith also reminded everyone that the budget vote would not be until later in the month.
Councilman Place 2 Randy Johnson told everyone that the Council will not allow the library to close, but that sometimes they have to cut things they don’t want to in order to meet budget.
Their main responsibility is to the health of the City of Fairfield. Johnson also asked that the citizens give them an opportunity.
Councilman Place 3 Bobby Nichols explained how no one had ever told the council about the accreditation.
Councilman Place 4 Landis Bayless said, “The Library is a great asset to the town, how are going to get the revenue?”
Bayless reminded people that the City of Fairfield has the lowest tax rate of all the towns around.
A discussion followed over the monies the Library receives from Freestone County and how much money is needed for accreditation.
Smith explained that to his understanding, the Library amount needed for accreditation for each fiscal year changes, and that half of that needs to come from local revenue.
Library Director Gary Wiggins stated that not receiving the money does not mean they will not survive, and he wanted that to be clear.
The meeting also covered two other items:
–Public hearing for the proposed tax rate of $0.464582, in which no one spoke
–Public hearing over the 2020/2021 fiscal year budget, again, no one spoke
The council will be meeting again on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, as The “Times” is heading to newsstands, for regular meeting and a workshop for the budget.
Library funding will be brought up during the budget walkthrough, accord to City Administrator Nate Smith.
The vote to approve the budget and tax rate will be at a special called meeting on Friday, September 11, 2020, at the Green Barn Civic Center.
