The Fairmont City Council has begun discussing how to spend more than $12 million in Local Option Sales Tax funds after plans for a community center were abandoned last year. During a Thursday work session, council members reviewed three possible approaches: investing in one major transformational project, funding several medium-sized recreation projects, or spreading the money across multiple smaller community improvements. The sales tax, approved by voters in 2016, was originally intended to support recreational amenities, trails and a community center. Finance Director Paul Hoye says the city has $12.3 million available, including nearly $578,000 earned in interest, with about $6.2 million currently on hand. Several council members voiced support for a single large project, with ideas including a community center, ice arena, FEMA dome, or lake improvements. Others favored smaller projects or expressed concerns about long-term operating costs. Council members also stressed the importance of seeking grants, identifying staffing to move the project forward, and restoring public confidence after years of delays. No decisions were made during the meeting. City staff will gather additional information and bring recommendations back to the council during future work sessions.
