Repair of Oak Street and part of Bateman Street is being pursued by the City of Fairfield.
“As long as we start before the end of September, it can be on this budget,” stated City Administrator Jeff Looney.
The project will include approximately 865 feet of Bateman Street (from Dogan to Church) and 1,564 feet of Oak Street from FM 488 to Commerce / Highway 84.
Oak Street would include special attention to the on-going trench settlement, which Mayor Roy Hill attributes to “very poor engineering” in the past.
“Has it settled enough now, that we can fix it?” he asked the City Administrator and Public Works Director, Clyde Woods.
Bringing design plans for addressing the problem was Michael N. Tibbet, P.E. of Hayter Engineering, Inc. Cost estimates total $165,218 for construction and $11,685 for design services.
Council approved engineering contract and authorize bids to go out for the project.
Also approved during last week’s Regular Session on July 20, 2017 was a final agreement between the City and Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department and a revised Organizational Chart for City personnel.
According to City Administrator Looney, the organizational chart has been streamlined to better reflect current city employee structure. Some of the former “layers” of command were removed, which Looney states were simply “not needed for our small town.”
Perhaps the biggest charge is to Public Works. Rather than have a separate director for Streets, Parks and Water/Wastewater, crew leaders report directly to Public Works Director Clyde Woods.
City Council also conducted two Budget Workshops last week. Members have been scrutinizing expenses very closely this year, as revenues failed to meet last year’s budget demands.
Departments and organizations have been asked to provide a “bare bones” budget, and have been asked to get “creative” with potential revenue sources.
“We are in a difficult position,” stated Councilman Randy Johnson, asking if individual items are critical or “can you do without it until next time?”
“If your budget was cut in half, what would that look like for you?” asked Councilman Keith Daniels.
“Do you hold any kind of fundraisers?” asked Councilman Landis Bayless.
“We want to support you as much as we can,” assured Councilman Joe Lee Kirgan , Jr.
Switching gears, the Police Department was asked for ideas of ways the City could provide to show their appreciation for their service. At the following workshop, Chief Kenny Bulger presented a new badge design proposed by his officers.
Fairfield Council’s next Budget Workshop, on July 31st, will cover expected revenue for the coming year.
Hotel/Motel requests will be heard during a Workshop on August 3rd.
Then, if needed, a final workshop may be held on August 7th.
The hashed out Budget will be presented to Council during their Regular Session on Tuesday, August 8, 2017.
