Freeport City Council Approves Road Funding and Pay Increase at Budget Workshop
FREEPORT — City council members grappled with rising costs and revenue projections during a budget workshop held Tuesday, August 18, 2026, ultimately approving a 3% flat salary increase for employees and allocating additional funds for highway resurfacing and turn lane projects.
The workshop, called to order by City Clerk Bruce, began with a recap of upcoming budget hearings set for September 9 and September 15. Council members expressed concern about publishing legal notices in local newspapers due to the Courier-Journal’s Wednesday publication schedule, which could delay critical budget information. After discussion, they agreed to run notices in the Northwest Daily News and direct residents to the website for updates.
Budget highlights presented included the creation of a new general fund account for protected tree and sidewalk buyouts, a significant annual expense highlighted by the recent Walmart development. Revenue estimates from the Department of Revenue showed increases after a conference on August 14, providing optimism for the upcoming budget year.
Expenditure discussions dominated the workshop. Council approved an additional $100,000 for road and maintenance based on estimates for a 4-mile road project. Highway 20 resurfacing costs surprised officials, jumping from an initial $200,000 estimate to $575,900, necessitating an extra $375,900 allocation. For Highway 20 turn lanes, council agreed to increase funding from $750 per lane to cover the state’s estimated $2.5 million cost, adding approximately $250,000 to the budget.
Other adjustments included a $10,000 increase for batting cage renovations due to a larger footprint, $180,000 for a monitoring well at the elevated water tank, and $7,500 for computer upgrades in utility buildings following the departure of Checo.
On personnel matters, council approved a 3% flat salary increase for city employees, noting it balances last year’s larger hourly raises with future property tax stability. The defined contribution to employee benefits increased by $65 per month this year, totaling approximately $59,000 for the city, and has risen 57% since fiscal year 2022-23. The total compensation package, combining pay and benefits, averages 44% of gross pay and will reach $6.9 million with the approved increase.
The workshop concluded with a discussion about storing Christmas decorations in a climate-controlled facility to prevent heat-related deterioration, a concern raised after current decorations were found stored without air conditioning at the water department.
Originally reported by City of Freeport (YouTube). Image: City of Freeport (YouTube).
