Freeport budget workshop proposes $2.87M for beautification and infrastructure, adds 11 positions; council debate centers on code enforcement staffing

Freeport — City staff presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget at a June 16 workshop that would reorganize multiple funds, add 11 full‑time positions across departments, and earmark $2,873,235 for beautification and infrastructure projects.

The workshop, led by the budget presenter (Miss Hurst), walked the council through the budget calendar and several structural changes staff is proposing: moving solid waste into the water and sewer fund (to operate as a consolidated ‘utility fund’), reassigning code enforcement from the police budget into a rebranded Community Development department, redesignating the golf course and EMS as enterprise funds supported by user fees, and reallocating an old IT fund as general‑fund contingency. The presentation showed a priority‑based budget that includes $395,000 for beautification and $2,478,235 for infrastructure improvements for a combined investment of $2,873,235.

"These milestones provide multiple opportunities for council and the public to review information, ask questions, and provide feedback before final adoption," the presenter said while noting a projected increase of $490,849 in available cash resources across funds.

Staff summarized personnel requests that are embedded in the draft: two maintenance tech I positions for parks; two maintenance tech I positions for streets and drainage; one aquatics coordinator for the recreation center; a mechanic helper at the service center; and four community development positions (plan reviewer/permit coordinator, building code supervisor, project manager and a building inspector). The budget packet lists 11 net new positions total and flags several that would be partially funded by outside entities (the TUR and the EDC in some cases).

Finance staff told council the general fund currently shows an anticipated revenue total of $19,490,735 against planned expenditures of $19,344,516, yielding a preliminary headroom of $146,219; staff cautioned the numbers will change once certified property values and the state sales‑tax forecast are finalized in July.

EDC and downtown items: Robert Johnson, director of economic development, reviewed EDC operating, projects and marketing funds. The EDC operating budget showed modest net growth tied to position promotions and property improvements. The EDC projects fund includes a proposed $500,000 use of reserves for a future infrastructure project and continues an elevated level of business improvement grants; staff said the boards had only recently received these proposals and no approvals had been taken.

Public safety and equipment: Fire and EMS leaders described equipment and capital needs, including a planned new ambulance. Chief Chris Mley said much of the current fleet is aged and expensive to maintain and that staff recommends replacing units after years of interim repairs; the EMS enterprise budget includes a planned ambulance purchase and a $200,000 set‑aside from the prior year to reduce the immediate general‑fund impact. The police department requested updates to its pay matrix, new patrol vehicles (with full outfitting), security upgrades to the lobby, and funding for two K‑9 units and specialized equipment.

Parks, rec and public works: Parks and public works leaders requested vehicle replacements and additional field staff. Parks asked for two maintenance positions and two half‑ton 4x2 crew‑cab work trucks (quotes discussed in the $40,000–$44,000 range each). The recreation center seeks an aquatics coordinator and a pool vacuum (budgeted at about $10,000) to support operations when the pool is available. Public works requested two additional techs (streets/drainage) and a mechanic helper for fleet maintenance.

Community development and code enforcement: A tense exchange unfolded over Community Development staffing and the role of code enforcement. Reggie Harris, who identified himself as the building official and director of code and community development, urged the council that adding a permit reviewer/permit coordinator and a building code supervisor would improve customer service, reduce review times, and help the city process a rising number of permit applications. Harris said the department aims for faster plan turnaround and more frequent inspections to ensure work is completed correctly.

Councilman McDonald pushed back on adding staff and warned against growing bureaucracy, saying the city should make current employees perform more consistently before adding positions. Harris responded that current staff are handling multiple hats and that additional boots on the ground are needed to meet expectations and reduce later liabilities. The exchange ended without a resolution; staff said it will bring clearer cost splits and role descriptions back to council.

Other items: Main Street Coordinator Maria Lopez requested a panel Christmas tree and pilot facade grant (initial $15,000) to support downtown reinvestment. Library, museum and senior programs had smaller line‑item changes; the museum manager, Loretta Katie, requested additional building maintenance funding and more special‑event support.

Capital and contingency planning: Staff proposed an equipment and vehicle capital plan that would be funded in part by a one‑time transfer from the general fund (approximate planning figure $1.3 million) to purchase police turnkey units (vehicle plus full outfitting), an ambulance, and multiple department trucks and heavy equipment. Council asked for updated quotes and noted outfitting costs (radios, emergency lighting and interior mounting) are significant additions to vehicle purchase prices.

Next steps: Staff said final budget numbers will be updated after July property‑value certification and the state sales‑tax forecast. Council set a July follow‑up to review final figures and flagged a need to decide on city hall space and the port settlement placeholder before ongoing lease payments continue. Councilwoman Morales made a motion to adjourn at the close of the session; Councilman Roso seconded and council adjourned.

Why it matters: The draft combines targeted infrastructure and downtown investments with a series of operational changes that are meant to improve permitting turnaround, public safety readiness and parks/rec services. The primary point of contention at the workshop was whether the city should add code enforcement/building‑related staff now or reallocate existing resources to catch up on deferred infrastructure and maintenance work.

What comes next: Staff will refine numbers for July’s packet after certified property valuations and state tax forecasts are available; council will revisit the staffing and capital decisions then.