With a contentious split, Fairfield Mayor Roy Hill cast the deciding vote to approve keeping the City Tax Rate the same.
At .3488, the Tax Rate for Fairfield is less than half that of surrounding cities such as Mexia, Teague and Wortham.
Councilmen Randy Johnson and Joe Lee Kirgan, Jr. argued for raising the rate to the .37914 Effective Tax Rate; so named as it would, in effect, raise the same amount of revenue as the City received last year.
According to calculations put on the board by City Administrator Jeff Looney, the higher rate would have earned the City a little over $62,000.
Mayor Hill argued that, as the City was looking at possible annexation in the near future, it was more important to keep tax rates the same. Councilmen Kenny Hughes and David Steward agreed, casting their votes to approved the .3488 Tax Rate.
Mayor Hill also cast the deciding vote to approve the Budget for fiscal year 2016-2017, which includes plans for transitioning to a paid Fire Department.
Other business includes the following:
–Approved request related to insurance coverage for City Judge George Robinson
–Approve Budget and Business Work Plan for Fairfield Industrial Development Corporation, as well as approve name change to Fairfield Economic Development Corporation.
–Approve Change Orders for Street Repair from Texanna and Hayter Engineering.
–Update on repairs to Well #2 at Boyd Unit.
–Discussion of Truck Purchases from All-Star Ford. Council reiterates their desire to purchase local, as long as a written agreement for the original amount can be secured.
Citizens are reminded that the City of Fairfield is looking to fill the vacancy of Place 4 on the City Council. Those interested are invited to apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to City Hall by noon on September 22, 2016.
Applicants must by 18 years of age or older, a registered voter in Freestone County, and have lived in Fairfield at least 6 months. For more information, contact City Secretary Debbie Nesbitt at 903-389-2633.
