The Fairfield Town Council's recent Board of Finance meeting highlighted urgent infrastructure needs, particularly the repair and replacement of critical water management systems. A key discussion point was the necessity to repair the horse main and ensure the spare is operational, as the current system cannot handle the required flow without it. The council approved a $200,000 expenditure from the fund balance for design work, emphasizing the urgency of addressing deferred maintenance that has accumulated over the past decade.

Council members expressed concern over the timeline for these repairs, with some projects initially slated for 2029 now being pushed forward to 2026 or 2027 due to the pressing nature of the issues. The discussion underscored the reality that many projects have become high priority, and the council must navigate financial constraints while addressing these critical needs.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of maintaining a self-supporting financial plan for upcoming projects, ensuring that debt service costs can be covered by projected revenues. This approach aims to prevent overextending the town's financial capacity while still addressing essential infrastructure upgrades.

As the council moves forward, the focus remains on balancing immediate repair needs with long-term financial sustainability, ensuring that Fairfield's water management systems can effectively serve the community. The next steps will involve further evaluations and potential approvals from various boards to facilitate the necessary funding and project timelines.