“Well, this is it,” says former Fairfield City Mayor, Kenneth Hughes, during last week’s City Council meeting. “This is my last meeting, and where I say goodbye to you all. I want to thank you. I truly appreciate all the support from each of you over the last 16 years I’ve served the City.”

Hughes opened the meeting held Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with this statement, prior to immediately swearing in Bobby Nichols (right) as Fairfield’s new Mayor.

Nichols then made his first address to the public as Mayor, stating, “I want to thank Kenny for the transparency he brought to the City, for being instrumental in acquiring the new City Hall, the new basketball courts, the remodel of the Civic Center and repairs at the park and walking trail, and for working with the Fair Board to bring the new show barns.”

He goes on to say, “Kenny has taught me so much. He was always out and about in the community, talking with the citizens and listening to their concerns.”

Nichols then presented Hughes with a plaque which states, “With our greatest appreciation, the City of Fairfield wishes to thank Kenneth D. Hughes for his many years of service; 2009-2025.”

Hughes served on the City Council beginning in 2009 and as Mayor since 2018.

A Certificate of Appreciation from Freestone County Historical Museum was presented by Museum Curator, Patty Pratt, stating, “Your tireless dedication, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions have been instrumental in the success of Fairfield. The Freestone County Historical Museum Board wishes to express our appreciation for all you have done to help improve our local county museum through the years as you have served as Mayor of Fairfield.”

During the meeting, Council unanimously voted to approve the following items:

–Minutes from the December 10, 2024, meeting

–Payment of Bill Register as of December 31, 2024

–Mayor and Department Head Reports

–Order of General Election for the City of Fairfield to be held on May 3, 2025

–Notice of General Election of the City of Fairfield

–Agreement and Contract for Election Services from the Freestone County Elections Administrator

–Change order for Love Street Water Well (Second Change Order in the amount of $3,238 to install an electric pole)

–Appointment of Teresa Duke with Community National Bank & Trust and Eli Pratt with Edwards Jones as board members for the Fairfield Economic Corporation (Type A) and The Fairfield Area Economic Development Corporation (Type B) for a two-year term from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027.

Following the meeting, a small reception with cookies, punch, and fellowship was held in Hughes’ honor.

Fairfield City Council is held on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, located at 527 E. Commerce Street in Fairfield. They may be reached by calling 903-389-2633.

(Photos by Nicole Schaefer)