Freeport City Council Adopts Data Center Ban, Tackles Traffic Concerns in July 14 Meeting
The Freeport City Council convened on July 14, 2026, to adopt a clean audit report, officially ban data centers within city limits, and approve contracts for air conditioning repairs and a Walton County Sheriff deputy program. Council members also engaged in a wide-ranging discussion about traffic congestion on Highway 20, directing staff to work with FDOT and the city’s lobbying team on potential turn-lane improvements.
The meeting opened with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by a presentation from Joel Bradley of Warren Hick, the city’s auditing firm. Bradley delivered the results of the fiscal year 2025 audit, reporting an unmodified — or clean — opinion, the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide. He noted that the city exceeded the $1 million threshold for federal award expenditures, triggering a federal single audit related to the wastewater treatment plant upgrades. That audit found no material instances of non-compliance and no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the city’s internal controls.
Bradley highlighted several key financial metrics from the general fund. Tax revenues increased by approximately $1.1 million, driven primarily by a 21 percent rise in property tax revenues with no change to the millage rate. The increase reflects roughly $275 million in growth in assessed property values within city boundaries. Intergovernmental revenues also rose about $1 million, supported by the half-cent sales tax, small county infrastructure tax, and non-recurring grant funding for the Marquetry Way connector road project from FDOT.
On the expenditure side, capital outlay increased by $3.6 million, with the community center construction accounting for $2.9 million and the purchase of the Lucky Star property behind city hall for $1.2 million. Bradley also noted that the water and sewer enterprise fund saw capital grant contributions increase by $1.8 million, primarily from American Rescue Plan Act funds passed through Walton County. He cautioned that depreciation expense would continue rising, as the city placed $33 million in wastewater treatment plant assets into service during the fiscal year.
Following the audit presentation, the council recognized Jurgen Colinar as Employee of the Month and Larry Tupper as Supervisor of the Quarter for their dedication and service to Freeport residents.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously, covering forms of bills, June 9 meeting minutes, and June 25 meeting minutes. Council members added two items to the agenda: a resurfacing project and a sidewalk project at the sports complex, with Councilwoman Brandon making the motion and a council member seconding.
City Manager staff brought forward an interlocal agreement with Walton County Emergency Management, designating the sports complex as a point-of-delivery site during natural disasters or emergencies. The agreement renews an existing arrangement, and the council approved it unanimously.
JJ Harris of the Walton County Economic Development Alliance appeared to request the same $40,000 in funding the city provided last year, based on a per capita formula. Harris highlighted recent accomplishments including the completed signalization at the intersection of Highways 83 and 20. The council tabled the request to an upcoming budget workshop, with instructions for it to be brought back at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.
The council then moved to second reading of the data center prohibition ordinance. After a public hearing with no public comments, the ordinance was adopted unanimously as Ordinance 2026-07, prohibiting data centers within the city of Freeport and providing for conflicts, severability, and an effective date.
Under staff reports, Public Works presented four items. The council approved a $9,123 contract with Green Air for AC repair and replacement at the concession stand press box, selecting the lowest of three quotes. A renewal contract for Walton County Sheriff labor services was approved, as was a baseball tournament request for August 22 and 23 at the sports complex, and a request from Freeport High School.
The planning department brought forward an option from the engineer of record for the Ryan Brandon Drive Memorial Sports Complex to install brick pavers in colored patterns for crosswalks, at a cost of approximately $67,000. Councilwoman Hefner objected, saying she did not believe the city should bear that cost and suggesting the developer could fund it. Councilwoman Brandon echoed concerns about long-term maintenance, citing similar brick installations in Ashton that proved difficult to upkeep. The council voted to direct staff to reject all such non-standard or upscale design element requests, requiring developers to make a full presentation to the council if they wish to pursue them.
The wastewater treatment plant’s motor control center air conditioning replacement generated significant discussion. Staff recommended approving a $23,250 bid from Otis Brown for two five-ton units over a lower $11,952 bid from Green Air for two three-ton units, citing the need for redundancy. Several council members expressed confusion over the competing bids and whether they represented comparable solutions. The mayor recommended tabling the item to allow staff to issue a written request specifying exact requirements to all three vendors. The council approved tabling the matter.
Councilman Dickens brought forward a proposal from the town planners to enhance landscaping around the Welcome to Freeport signs and add solar lighting, as well as landscaping improvements at the community center fountain. The council expressed support subject to review by the planning department for compliance with landscaping standards. Dickens also requested that staff look into connecting two sidewalks at the sports complex that end abruptly at the property line to the existing asphalt path on Hammock Trail Boulevard.
The meeting’s most animated discussion came when Councilwoman Brandon raised ongoing traffic congestion problems along Highway 20, particularly at the Blueberry Road and North and South Jackson intersections. She described commute delays of 20 minutes or more and noted that GPS navigation systems are routing drivers through residential neighborhoods to avoid backups. Brandon reported that an initial inquiry about adding turn lanes during FDOT’s upcoming resurfacing project was rebuffed, but a follow-up request prompted FDOT to reconsider.
City staff confirmed that multiple conversations are already underway with Walton County Engineering about potential improvements, including turn lanes off South Madison, additional turn lanes for Highway 331 business traffic, and solutions for the offset North and South Jackson intersection. Staff also identified the East Bay Loop intersection as a problem area requiring coordination with Regions Bank and shopping center property owners.
The council voted unanimously to direct staff to continue pursuing traffic solutions, including engaging the city’s state lobbyist and reaching out to legislative representatives. Staff committed to producing a matrix of all intersections under discussion, possible solutions, and contacts within two weeks.
The meeting adjourned following the traffic discussion, with the mayor noting that no further public comment was offered.
