Freeport Public Library proposes selling Pretzel City transit vouchers and punch cards

Library leadership told the Committee of the Whole July 14 that the Freeport Public Library seeks to become an additional retail location for Pretzel City Transit vouchers and punch cards to make rides more accessible for patrons. Library presenter said the vouchers cost $3 apiece and punch cards are $60 for up to 21 punches. Under the proposed agreement the city would supply vouchers and punch cards for the library to sell, and the library would maintain inventory, mark vouchers to show they were purchased at the library, and provide inventory reports to the city on request. The library will remit payment to the city monthly; staff said there is no financial impact to either the city or the library from the proposed arrangement. The library presenter said the library is a separate taxing district, and the program’s purpose is to add a convenient point of sale: currently vouchers are sold only at Highland Community College and the Pretzel City Transit office. Staff said, before any public marketing, council approval and a library‑board approval are needed. Alderman Sanders asked when the proposal came forward; staff said the library began exploring the agreement about one to two weeks earlier and brought it to the Committee of the Whole for initial direction. Alderman Johnson said the change would make vouchers more convenient and noted that riders still register for service when they schedule rides. Staff said they would proceed to the library board if the committee is agreeable. No council vote was taken; staff recommended the council approve the agreement at the appropriate future meeting and asked to move the item forward to the library board for final action.