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Freeburg board adopts 2026–27 budget, approves three labor pacts and staff raises
Summary
The Village of Freeburg board adopted the 2026–2027 operating budget, approved three successor collective-bargaining agreements covering office staff, operating engineers and police, and authorized pay increases effective April 1, 2026.
Mayor Seth Speiser called the Village of Freeburg Special Board Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. on March 30, 2026, held in the Freeburg Municipal Board Room and via Zoom. The board unanimously adopted the village's 2026–2027 operating budget and approved three successor collective-bargaining agreements that the mayor is authorized to execute.
The board approved Resolution No. 26-02 adopting the 2026–2027 operating budget after Trustee Tom Carpenter moved to accept the resolution by title only and Trustee Ramon Matchett, Jr. seconded. The roll-call vote recorded six ayes and zero nays, and the resolution carried.
The board then unanimously approved three ordinances advancing successor collection bargaining agreements. Trustee Elizabeth (Lisa) Meehling moved and Trustee Dana Miller seconded acceptance by title only for Ordinance No. 1814 (a successor agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO, Local 148, covering office staff), Ordinance No. 1815 (a successor agreement with the same union) and Ordinance No. 1816 (a successor agreement with the Policeman's Benevolent Labor Committee). Each ordinance passed by roll-call vote with all voting in favor.
Following the ordinances, Mayor Seth Speiser announced personnel pay adjustments effective April 1, 2026: a 10% pay increase for full-time staff including Village Administrator Matt Trout, Police Chief Mike Schutzenhofer and Village Engineer Tim Pruett; a 2% increase for Public Works Director Chris Remick; and a 10% increase for ESDA Coordinator Gene Kramer. The announcement followed the unanimous approval of the police bargaining agreement recorded as Ordinance No. 1816.
No members of the public spoke during the public-participation portion of the meeting. Trustee Tom Carpenter moved to adjourn at 5:36 p.m.; Trustee Dana Miller seconded, and the motion carried with all voting aye.
Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 26-02 (2026–2027 operating budget) — mover: Trustee Tom Carpenter; seconder: Trustee Ramon Matchett, Jr.; vote: Tom Carpenter — yes; Ramon Matchett, Jr. — yes; James (Mike) Blaies — yes; Robert (Bob) Kaiser — yes; Dana Miller — yes; Elizabeth (Lisa) Meehling — yes; outcome: adopted. Ordinance No. 1814 — mover: Trustee Elizabeth (Lisa) Meehling; seconder: Trustee Dana Miller; unanimous approval. Ordinance No. 1815 — mover: Trustee Elizabeth (Lisa) Meehling; seconder: Trustee Dana Miller; unanimous approval. Ordinance No. 1816 — mover: Trustee Elizabeth (Lisa) Meehling; seconder: Trustee Dana Miller; unanimous approval.
The board did not schedule further action at the special meeting. The Village Board of Trustees' regular meetings are held on the first and third Monday of every month.
