How City Council Works: A Plain-English Guide

Freeport, Florida News
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How City Council Works: A Plain-English Guide

Freeport’s city council is where the rubber meets the road for local government. This is the group that decides whether Walmart gets built, how loud construction can be, what happens in city parks, and how your tax dollars get spent. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the City Council?

Freeport operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. That means:

  • The Mayor (currently Russ Barley, in office since 2013) runs the meetings and has a vote on most matters
  • The Council (5 members) votes on ordinances, budgets, zoning changes, contracts, and city policy
  • The City Manager and department heads handle day-to-day operations and report to the council

Think of it like this: the council sets the rules, and city staff carries them out.

Who’s on the Council?

Your current council members, as of early 2026:

  • Mayor Russ Barley — A Freeport native, elected in 2013. He’s the 11th mayor in the city’s history.
  • Elizabeth Brannon — Fifth generation Freeport native, previously worked in state government.
  • Eddie Farris — Grew up in Walton County, served 3 years in the US Army and 30 years with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. He was the first deputy assigned to live in Freeport.
  • Elizabeth Haffner — Resident since 2013, moved to Freeport in 2015. Term ends in 2026.
  • Heather R. Hurst — Appointed in February 2025 to complete Bud Day’s term, then elected to a full four-year term ending July 2029.
  • Tracey Dickey — Appointed in November 2022 to complete Tripp Hope’s term, then elected to a four-year term ending 2029.

Council seats are elected city-wide — you don’t have to live in a specific district to vote for a specific member.

When Do They Meet?

Twice a month:

  • 2nd Tuesday at 9:00 AM
  • 4th Thursday at 6:30 PM

Meetings are held at Freeport City Hall (112 Highway 20 West) in the Council Chambers.

Pro tip: If you work a 9-to-5, the evening meetings (4th Thursday) are usually your best bet for attending in person.

What Do They Actually Vote On?

Here’s a sampling of real issues the council has handled recently:

  • Zoning and Development — Approving or denying rezoning requests, development orders, and construction permits. This is the big one that affects how Freeport grows.
  • Budget and Spending — Setting the city budget, approving contracts (like the $10,400 songbird sculpture for the playground), and deciding how to spend your tax dollars.
  • Ordinances — Local laws. Recent examples: a proposed construction noise ordinance, rules for e-bikes in parks, and permit requirements for groups using city parks for fundraising.
  • Personnel — Hiring department heads, recognizing employees, and setting pay scales.
  • Interlocal Agreements — Deals with other governments, like Walton County or the school district.

Most items pass unanimously. When there’s a split vote, it usually means the issue is genuinely contentious.

How to Attend a Meeting

It’s free and open to the public. No registration required. Just walk into City Hall at meeting time and take a seat.

What to expect:

  • The meeting starts with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance
  • The City Clerk reads any proclamations or recognitions
  • Public comment period (usually early in the meeting)
  • Department reports and old business
  • New business — this is where the voting happens
  • Council member comments and adjournment

A typical regular meeting lasts 1 to 2 hours. Special meetings or public hearings can run longer.

How to Speak During Public Comment

This is the easiest way to make your voice heard:

  1. Sign in when you arrive — there’s usually a sheet by the door
  2. Wait your turn — the mayor will call names in order
  3. State your name and address for the record
  4. Keep it brief — you typically get about 3 minutes. A timer is usually visible
  5. Be specific — “I oppose the rezoning at 31 Azalea Drive because…” is better than “You people need to do better”
  6. Don’t expect an immediate answer — the council may not vote on your issue that night, but your comments go into the official minutes

Pro tip: If you have a complicated issue, consider emailing the City Clerk ahead of time. They can make sure your concern gets on the right agenda.

How to Get Meeting Materials

The city posts agendas and approved minutes on their website, but not everything is online. If you need a specific document — meeting audio, a full agenda packet, or a draft ordinance — you can request it from the City Clerk:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 850-835-2822 ext. 219
  • In Person: City Hall, 112 Highway 20 West, Freeport, FL 32439

Florida’s public records law means most city documents are available to anyone who asks. There may be a small fee for copying or staff time.

What Happens After the Meeting?

  • Minutes are drafted by the City Clerk, reviewed by the council, and approved at the next meeting
  • Ordinances usually require two readings (votes) before they become law
  • Zoning changes often include a public hearing where anyone can speak
  • Contracts are typically approved in a single vote unless they’re unusually large or controversial

Quick Reference
Meeting Location Freeport City Hall, 112 Highway 20 West
Meeting Schedule 2nd Tuesday at 9:00 AM, 4th Thursday at 6:30 PM
City Clerk Rebecca McLendon
City Attorney Clay Adkinson
City Clerk Email [email protected]
Main Phone 850-835-2822
Official Agendas & Minutes freeportflorida.gov

Got a question about city council? Attend a meeting and ask during public comment — or just show up and listen. Democracy works better when people show up.