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Freeport council sets May 2 election date, approves charter election and several grant‑funded projects
Summary
The Freeport City Council on Jan. 20 approved an ordinance calling a May 2, 2026 general election and a companion charter‑amendment election, authorized multiple criminal‑justice grants, and approved purchases including three police vehicles and dispatch furniture funded by a 100% grant.
The Freeport City Council voted unanimously Jan. 20 to call a general election for Saturday, May 2, 2026, to elect council members for Wards A and C and to allow Brazoria County to administer the joint election under an existing interlocal agreement. Doctor Kelly, city staff, told council that candidate applications are being accepted through Feb. 13 and that early voting dates will be handled by Brazoria County.
Council also adopted an ordinance to call a charter‑amendment election on the same May 2 date. Staff outlined five proposed charter changes, including updates to vacancy language to conform with state law and a parcel of technical changes about development agreements and tax payment procedures. The ordinance passed 4–1; Councilman Pena cast the lone dissenting vote.
During the consent portion of the meeting, council approved several grant‑related resolutions, including radio system modernization and dispatch console replacement projects (grant numbers provided by staff). Chief Jennifer Howe told council the dispatch‑console furniture purchase is funded at 100% by grant award and requires no local match, and that the city will request reimbursement after making the purchase.
On capital purchases, the council approved the purchase of three police vehicles from Sames Government Fleet Sales for a total of $184,947.85, to be taken from the $350,000 vehicle budget. Lieutenant Graham said the total excludes some upfitting costs; staff estimated additional upfitting of about $15,000. The council approved the expenditure unanimously.
Separately, the council declared roughly 3,800 replaced water meters surplus and authorized staff to seek bids or auction them after receiving interest from neighboring jurisdictions and a prior rehab quote.
The council directed staff to return with a traffic‑study item for 4th Street and Pecan Street on Feb. 5; Public Works reported the study recommended adding a four‑way stop at that intersection.
The meeting moved to other agenda items and an extended governance discussion before adjourning to executive session at 9:50 p.m.
