Freeport council approves academy assistance program to fund public-safety training

The Freeport City Council on June 2 approved a new academy assistance program that will allow eligible city public-safety employees to receive up to $5,250 in educational assistance per calendar year for attendance at certified police or fire academies.

Miss Fisher, who presented the proposed policy handbook amendment, said the program is structured to qualify under federal tax code Section 127 so that up to $5,250 in assistance per year is not taxable income to the employee. The program requires recipients to sign an educational assistance agreement obligating them to work for the city for two years after graduation; if an employee leaves earlier they must repay the assistance on a prorated basis.

Miss Fisher said the program aims to support professional development for jailers, dispatchers, EMS personnel, and other eligible staff, ensuring the city has certified public-safety employees. The council discussed retention and clawback provisions; one council member suggested stronger payback terms to improve retention, while others said the proposal was a modest start given budget constraints.

After discussion and amendments were considered, the council approved the policy change by a 4-1 vote; Councilman Pena was the lone dissenting vote. Council members asked staff to consider additional retention incentives in future policy work, such as residency incentives and housing assistance tied to recruitment and retention.