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Freeport staff pushes rental-registration sweep after Ptolemy analysis; April 1st registration deadline set
Summary
City staff told the council that software analysis shows about 1,100 rental properties are registered and roughly 1,900 more should register; council discussion focused on outreach, fairness and next steps before fines are issued.
Freeport city staff said the city has completed a data-driven identification of likely rental properties and will send registration notices ahead of an April 1, 2025 deadline.
Director Duchman, the city’s Community and Economic Development director, told the council the city has about 1,100 properties currently registered and estimates roughly 3,000 properties should be registered—leaving about 1,900 that remain to register. Duchman said staff compiled addresses and prepared a mailer but a vendor delay has slowed distribution.
The work relied on Ptolemy rental‑registration software, Duchman said. “When we selected Ptolemy in April of ’24, one of the major things I said to them was, I really want to identify who should be registered,” Duchman said. The software flags likely rentals by mining assessor records, water‑bill data and other indicators, he said.
Why it matters: Council members pressed staff on enforcement and fairness. Alderman Monroe asked how many properties and how the city would know which homes are rentals; Duchman replied the new data gives staff “a much better picture” of who should register. Duchman told the council that letters will give property owners an opportunity to show a home is not a rental (for example by providing a utility bill) before fines would be assessed.
Council members asked for follow‑up materials. Duchman agreed to provide a status update at the next council meeting and to produce counts of fines issued. When asked about current fines, Duchman said he could not provide an exact number immediately and offered to email the figure to council.
Staff emphasized notice and process. Duchman said the registration program includes outreach and that the deadline allows owners time to comply before enforcement steps begin.
Ending: Duchman said staff will continue mailing notices and report back to the council; the April 1, 2025 registration deadline remains the target date for initial enforcement steps.
