Fairfax adopts FY2026–27 budget; council adjusts chamber support and defers short‑term rental update

The Fairfax Town Council on June 3 adopted the FY2026–27 operating and capital improvement budget after its fourth public hearing on the proposal.

Councilmember Kohler moved to adopt the budget and Councilmember Blash seconded. Recorded votes in the public roll call were: Blash — yes; Garangelli — no; Kohler — yes; Vice Mayor Ager — no; Mayor Helman — yes. The motion carried.

Councilmembers discussed a handful of budget items during the hearing, including police vehicle electrification (the town uses EVs for investigative/administrative use now but lacks infrastructure for marked patrol EVs), the cost of license‑plate reader systems, public works contracts and pay, and business outreach funding for the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Several councilmembers expressed support for a modest increase to the town’s contribution to the Chamber for economic vitality work; the council directed an increase from $5,000 to $10,000 (staff and council noted further discussion with the Chamber about program details). The council also voted to continue a separate agenda item on short‑term rental regulation to the July meeting.

Mayor Helman and several councilmembers thanked staff for outreach and additional materials provided in response to questions raised in prior hearings. Members of the public urged the council to prioritize front‑line worker pay and to ensure procurement decisions are transparent.

What happens next: The budget is adopted and staff will implement the FY2026–27 work plan. The short‑term rental item will return in July; the town and chamber will discuss how the additional $5,000 would be used, and staff will present next steps on police vehicle infrastructure and other items as requested by council.