Place 3 City Council member Bobby Nichols was sworn-in as the new Fairfield mayor on Tuesday evening, Jan. 14, by retiring Mayor Kenneth Hughes. Nichols will hold the title of mayor until at least May 2026, the next mayoral election.
Nichols praised Hughes for the great job he has done for the city.
He pointed out that while Hughes was mayor, the city remodeled the civic center, purchased the city hall, put in new basketball courts, improved the city park, and worked with the fair board on the new facilities at the fairgrounds.
“Kenny was just out in the community at all of the functions and with the people,” an emotional Nichols said. “He has taught me so much and I thank him.”
Nichols presented Hughes with a plaque that read, “With our greatest appreciation, the City of Fairfield wishes to thank Kenneth D. Hughes for his many years of service. 2009-2025” Fairfield City Council members include James Tyus, Place 1; Arland Thill, Place 2; Roger Keeton, Place 4; and Angela Oglesbee, Place 5. Place 3 will remain vacant at this time until the next election.
In other action, Fairfield EDC President David Fowler noted that 2025 is getting off to a great start and several industries are interested in coming to the Industrial Park in Fairfield. Fairfield Police Chief David Utsey noted that his department is working hard and continuing to get drugs off the streets, which is always good for the community.
The council approved the order of general election for the to be held on Saturday, May 3. The notice of the general election of the City of Fairfield was also approved. The board approved an agreement and contract for election services with the Freestone County Elections Administrator.
City Council positions on the ballot for the May 3 election will be Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5.
The board approved a change order for the Love Street water well. This change order was called for due to the well needing to be deeper as well as for a transocket.
Teresa Duke with Community National Bank & Trust and Eli Pratt with Edward Jones were appointed as board members for the Fairfield Economic Development Corporation and the Fairfield Area Economic Development Corporation for a two-year term from Feb. 1 to Jan. 31, 2027.
