Freeport finance committee reviews 2026 water, sewer and storm budgets; major capital projects outlined

Manager Boyer, the city manager, presented the draft 2026 operating and capital budgets for Freeport’s water, sewer and stormwater utilities and described multiple large capital projects and equipment replacements the city plans to pursue next year.

Boyer said the city budgeted about $3,600,000 in grant revenue for the water fund, $1,600,000 in residential service revenue (including a CPI-based water-rate increase) and $2,100,000 in capital-improvement surcharge revenue. He told the committee the budget includes an expected $100,000 payment from a PFAS settlement and that the city lowered its interest-income projection to about $250,000 for next year.

On the expense side, Boyer said staff reorganized labor categorizations and noted a $2,900,000 line for contracted infrastructure repairs and maintenance that includes the lead service-line replacement program (Phase 3), new fencing at Carroll Tank and a Willow Tank inspection. He identified $75,000 for expansion of Brick Street cold-storage building and $150,000 for mains and manholes that include seven “eye” hydrants designed to transmit acoustic pressure data and aid in locating breaks. The budget also includes funding for safety barricades, replacement…