April 18, 2025 Special Town Council Meeting Minutes
Budget Workshop
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Special Meeting for the Purpose of a Budget Workshop
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference
Wednesday, April 18, 2025
Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Blash called the Special Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lisel Blash, Mayor
Barbara Coler
Frank Egger
Michael Ghiringhelli
Stephanie Hellman, Vice Mayor
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Heather Abrams, Town Manager
Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk
Janet Coleson, Town Attorney
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning & Building Services Director
Rico Tabaranza, Police Chief
Michael Vivrette, Finance Director
Bridget Wipfler, Climate Action Coordinator
Maria Baird, Recreation & Community Services Manager
Approval of Agenda
M/S, Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to approve the agenda.
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
Public comment
• Michael Mackintosh commented on use of public funds related to the recall efforts, and the elected town clerk.
• A speaker commented on the transparency of the budget, asked for more details, and noted resources for creating a budget.
• Sean Fitzpatrick commented on the need for additional police and noted recent experiences. • Todd Greenberg commented on the structure of the meeting, fiscal responsibility, and cited specific expenditures.
• Rick Hamer commented on climate action and the need for future proofing the town. • Bruce Ackerman agreed with the previous speaker, commented on the need for additional resources regarding roads.
• Dan Mahoney, Fire Chief provided an update on the Fire Station 21 Remodel project and noted the Town Council’s previous vote to perform a comprehensive remodel. • Rachel from the Parks and Recreation Commission asked for additional funding for the Parks and Recreation, noting community events and the Artist in Residence Collaboration. • Tommy, Ross Valley Fire President commented on the Fire Station 21 Remodel project. • Vice President of Ross Valley Fire commented on the Fire Department’s aging infrastructure and the need for the Fire Station 21 Remodel project.
April 18, 2025 Special Town Council Meeting Minutes
Budget Workshop
Councilmembers questioned why the meeting was not being recorded and Town Manager Abrams explained that the budget workshop is usually not recorded.
Town Manager Abrams and Finance Director Viverette opened the presentation, noting the work that went into preparing the budget, including budget constraints and program cuts to save money, notably a frozen position in the Police Department.
Department Heads presented comments on each of their budgets.
Throughout the presentation, Councilmembers asked questions about grants, a budget history overview, revenue options, including increasing the Utility User tax in Fairfax, parking fees, and property tax revenues and how they are disbursed. Councilmembers also asked questions about department expenditures, staffing, and the Town’s reserve policy.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 3:38 p.m.