FAIRFIELD BAY (KATV) — A petition to remove Fairfield Bay Mayor Jackie Sikes will be placed on the city’s general election ballot in 2024.

We, the Majority, are the business and community leaders who took the lead in the recall. The motion was presented to the Van Buren and Cleburne County Clerks for approval in January 2024. We, the Majority, asked the community from January through July if they were satisfied with Mayor Sikes’ actions and performance of his duties.

We, the majority, have presented reasons and documents to the citizens of Fairfield Bay as to why they should sign the recall petition, some of which are listed below.

“The mayor called Dollar General’s decision to move outside city limits and avoid paying city taxes a ‘smart business move.'”

“We believe Mayor Sikes blocked a multi-million dollar economic development project for our community that would have created a new boat ramp, parking and a safer swimming area in the marina area. This would also have increased our tax revenue as more people would use the businesses in Fairfield Bay.”

“The mayor marched on a picket line against the resort, the largest employer in the City of Fairfield Bay, over Memorial Day weekend.”

“We believe Mayor Sikes’ management skills have caused our conference center bookings and revenue to decline and continue to decline. The reduced number of conferences impacts all of our local businesses.”

“The city is being sued for its conduct before, during and after the Moonshine Festival. (The 1922 and 1923 festivals were the highest tax revenue weekends in Fairfield Bay’s history.)”

The Fairfield Bay City Council called a special meeting for July 12, 2024. After the closed meeting, the council returned and read a statement as to why they were calling for a vote of no confidence. The motion passed and the council called for Mayor Sikes’ resignation.

“Mayor Sikes refuses to resign from office and continues to harm our city through her actions and poor management skills.”