Freeport holds public hearing on 2025–26 budget as residents protest water-rate increases

The Freeport City Council opened a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget on Sept. 2 and invited members of the public to comment on the proposal ahead of final adoption.

Council held the hearing to receive public input before it considers final adoption of the budget by the city’s charter deadline. City staff said the hearing gives residents another opportunity to ask questions or comment on the draft budget presented in earlier work sessions.

Multiple residents urged the council not to approve an increase in water rates that was scheduled to take effect Oct. 1. Manning Rollerson of 118 West Sixth Street objected to any water-rate increase, saying residents should not “continuously pay” for past mismanagement. He told the council the city’s budget shortfalls should not be shifted to ratepayers. Another speaker, identified as a resident who uses Social Security disability and veteran benefits, said a proposed $7 increase on water bills would be unaffordable for some households.

Other commenters pressed the council to pursue alternatives to rate increases, including seeking contributions from industrial water users. A speaker in public comment argued the Texas Supreme Court had previously guaranteed industry allotments during drought conditions and said industries should pay their share; the speaker offered to provide citations to support the claim.

Council members and staff clarified timing and procedural constraints. City staff reminded council that a prior vote to set rates at the last meeting means that the increases scheduled for Oct. 1 will take effect unless council adopts a replacement budget that changes them. City staff and the city attorney also explained that the charter requires 15 days’ notice for final adoption, limiting opportunities for additional workshops before the adopted deadline.

Council members discussed large-line items still under review in the proposed budget, including a $1.7 million fire engine purchase, vehicle replacement requests for police, and possible revenue options such as revised golf-course rates and entrance fees at the beach. Council repeated that most changes would need to be resolved by the final adoption date but that staff could reallocate funding or identify alternate funding sources before the vote.

Why it matters: The budget hearing brought central questions about who will bear the cost of the city’s fiscal shortfall — residents through higher rates, or if council and staff can find savings or alternative revenues. Several residents said the city should prioritize protecting low-income and fixed-income households from rate hikes.

Looking ahead: The council indicated it will continue work on the budget in the packet and at the Sept. 15 meeting, when final adoption is scheduled. Staff said they will compile and present any available fee proposals (for example, golf rates) and recommended budget worksheets for council consideration before the final vote.