City of Town of Fairfax
Special Town Council Meeting for the purpose of a Budget Workshop Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference Thursday, April 2, 2026
Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Hellman called the Special Meeting Budget Workshop to order at 10:00 AM.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Stephanie Hellman, Mayor
Frank Egger, Vice Mayor
Barbara Coler
Michael Ghiringhelli
Lisel Blash
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Heather Abrams, Town Manager
Christine Foster, Assistant to the Town Manager/Deputy Town Clerk
Janet Coleson, Town Attorney, Public Agency Law
Janabai Owens Deputy Town Clerk
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda was made by Council Member Ghiringhelli and seconded by Council Member Blash. The motion carried 5-0.
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Hellman read the Land Acknowledgement.
Meeting Protocol
Mayor Hellman read the Meeting Protocol.
Regular Agenda
1. Conduct workshop to discuss Fiscal Year 2026-27 Draft Operating and Capital Improvement Budget
Town Manager Heather Abrams introduced the FY 2026-27 Draft Budget, noting it reflects the longterm strategic plan directed by the Council at the February strategic planning workshop. She explained that staff prepared two budget scenarios: Budget A, the proposed operating budget consistent with prior years and the Council's priorities; and Budget B, a worst-case scenario reflecting a 10% across-the-board expenditure reduction in the event Measure J (a proposed sales tax measure) does not pass and sales tax revenue is lost. Town Manager Abrams emphasized that Budget A is the document before the Council for discussion, and that Budget B is presented solely as a transparency measure. She thanked staff for the substantial work required to produce both budget scenarios.
The budget review schedule was outlined as follows: this workshop (April 2), the April 15 regular Council meeting, the May 6 meeting, and anticipated adoption at the June 3 meeting, ahead of the July 1 fiscal year start.
Finance Director Michael Vivrette presented the general budget overview. Key highlights included:
total appropriations of approximately $15.8 million, representing a 5.5% increase over the prior fiscal year, primary revenue sources, appropriations, Measure J revenue projections, and major capital projects.
Departments presented an overview of their responsibilities in the two budget scenarios, Budget A and Budget B.
The Town Council asked various questions for clarification, notably regarding the fiscal implications of potential budget reductions. They inquired about specific departmental impacts under a 10% reduction scenario and requested details on any potential change in service levels, officer coverage, and project timelines. They also sought information on fee adjustments, fiscal strategies, and grant utilization. Additionally, the Council directed staff to incorporate and further analyze certain proposals like the pursuit of a new fee study and enhancing fine collections from non-compliant short-term rentals. The Council expressed interest in further discussions about leveraging grant writing services and evaluating the Chamber of Commerce's contributions to justify a funding allocation.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Mina (Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Executive Director) addressed the Council about the Chamber’s contributions to town including, event coordination, volunteer mobilization, and business license assistance, and requested consideration of a funding level tied to economic vitality revenues such as TOT.
• Todd Greenberg addressed the Council regarding the process by which Measure J was placed on the ballot.
Consent Calendar
2. Receive the Town of Fairfax Annual Progress Report on the General Plan and Housing Element for the Calendar Year 2025
Vice Mayor Egger requested that this item be pulled for discussion. Planning Director Beiswenger confirmed the Annual Progress Report was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by the March 31 deadline. The report covers calendar year 2025 activity and is factual and numerical in nature; the Council's review constitutes an opportunity to receive and comment on the already-submitted report.
Council discussion focused on the two Town-owned parcels on Forrest Avenue. Staff noted that the parcels could potentially be sold to a market-rate developer to fund an affordable housing trust, though no decision has been made and any such action would return to the Council.
Council also noted that of 13 housing sites identified in the Housing Element, only two have seen meaningful interest: the approved School Street Plaza project and an inquiry regarding the 10 Olema site. Housing production in calendar year 2025 totaled 14 ADUs and one single-family home.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg spoke about the income thresholds used in the RHNA affordability categories and noted ADU production objectives versus actual production.
No action was required; the item was received.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:15 PM.