Fairfield Bay Mayor Jackie Sikes will face a recall vote in the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. On August 6, 2024, the group “We The Majority” received confirmation from both the Van Buren County Clerk and the Cleburne County Clerk that their petition to remove Mayor Sikes was successful, leading to the recall being placed on the ballot for Fairfield Bay’s 2024 General Election.
From January through July, the citizens of Fairfield Bay were asked to evaluate Mayor Sikes’ performance and actions. “We The Majority” presented various reasons and documentation to support their petition for her recall. Some of the primary concerns highlighted by the group include:
Mayor Sikes referred to Dollar General’s decision to move outside the city limits and avoid paying city taxes as a “smart business move.”
The group believes Mayor Sikes blocked a significant economic development project that could have brought a new boat ramp, parking facilities, and a safer swimming area to the marina, potentially benefiting the community.
Mayor Sikes participated in a picket line against the Resort, the largest employer in Fairfield Bay, on Memorial Day weekend.
“We The Majority” claims that Mayor Sikes’ management has led to a decline in conference center bookings and revenue, negatively impacting local businesses.
The city is currently being sued over its conduct before, during, and after the Moonshine Festival. The 2022 and 2023 festivals were reported to be the highest tax revenue weekends in Fairfield Bay’s history.
On July 12, 2024, the Fairfield Bay City Council held a special meeting and, after an executive session, issued a statement explaining their decision to call for a vote of no confidence. The vote passed, and the council requested Mayor Sikes’ resignation, but she has so far refused to step down.
