Will Freeport Get the Answers They Seek?

FREEPORT, IL — April 12, 2025

The City of Freeport’s Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14th at Freeport City Hall, and based on the agenda, it’s shaping up to be one closely watched and listened to. From taxpayer-funded programs and questionable appointments to long-overdue ordinance enforcement, residents are expected to fill the chambers to demand answers, transparency, and a renewed sense of accountability.

Greater Freeport Partnership to Deliver 1st Quarter 2025 Report

The evening will open with a presentation from the Greater Freeport Partnership (GFP), delivered by Executive Director Andrea Schultz-Winter. The GFP, Freeport’s publicly funded version of a Chamber of Commerce—an organization typically supported through private investment in many communities—will present its first-quarter 2025 report. Highlights will include an update on a program dubbed “Base Camp,” educating 14 participants on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, such as business planning, financing, and marketing.

However, many residents remain skeptical, noting that while GFP continues to receive over $400,000 in taxpayer funding annually, the reports remain heavy on abstract data and light on tangible accomplishments. Critics question whether the GFP has evolved into more of a city-funded marketing firm than an engine for real business development. Monday’s presentation is expected to spark tough questions from council members and citizens alike.

Lead Service Line Replacement Moves Forward

The city will also provide updates on the long-anticipated Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The contract has been awarded to Five Star Energy Services LLC, a company based out of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Estimated at $3 million, the project is expected to be entirely funded through forgivable loans, sparing local taxpayers from upfront costs. Nevertheless, community members will likely push for clarity on the project's timeline and safeguards to ensure funding arrives and is used efficiently.

Lamm Road TIF District Surplus Under Scrutiny

Another hot topic is the future of the Lamm Road Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Community advocates are calling for its termination and for the $3.8 million surplus to be returned to local taxing bodies. Supporters argue that doing so could help prevent future tax hikes like the one passed by Mayor Jodi Miller in 2024.

EV Charging Station Costs Spark Backlash

City Council is also expected to revisit plans for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the municipal and Lindo parking lots downtown. Just last week, the council approved an additional $90,000 to Fehr Graham to design and plan the project. But new concerns have arisen over potential hidden costs—including resurfacing both lots—that were not disclosed during the initial approval process. Council members are now facing mounting pressure to justify this unexpected financial burden.

Residency Requirement Debate Heats Up

One of the most contentious issues of the evening may be the proposed ordinance change eliminating the residency requirement for Freeport’s highest-paid staff. City Manager Rob Boyer argues that the city lacks qualified candidates within city limits. However, opponents say the city should prioritize hiring residents who pay local taxes and invest in the community, rather than funneling taxpayer-funded salaries into neighboring municipalities. Some on council are demanding Mayor Miller explain why the ordinance, which she helped implement in 2017, has not been enforced.

Landlord Registry Deadline Missed — Will Fines Follow?

Frustrations are also boiling over the slow progress of the Landlord Registry Program. The deadline to register all rental properties was April 1st, 2025, a deadline city officials vowed would be enforced with fines for non-compliant landlords. But with no known penalties issued so far, the public is watching closely to see whether the city will follow through. Many recall a failed attempt under the same administration where enforcement was lax, and landlords faced no consequences despite violating city ordinances. Council is expected to press for enforcement this time around.

Controversy Swirls Over Mayoral Appointment

The meeting will conclude with a discussion of the controversial appointment of Mr. Wilkinson to a city commission. Council members learned only after the appointment that Wilkinson was chosen to replace mayoral challenger Joshua T. Atkinson, who had previously been appointed through October 2029. Additional concerns have emerged regarding Wilkinson’s background, including past drug offenses and recent DUI and domestic violence charges. Residents want answers: Was this information known and ignored by Mayor Miller, or was there a failure in the vetting process?

Public Urged to Attend and Speak Out

With so many high-stakes issues on the table, Freeport residents are being strongly encouraged to attend Monday night’s meeting at City Hall and participate during the public comment periods. The demands are clear: transparency, accountability, and leadership that listens to the people.