Freeport Erupts: Council Clashes Over Ordinance Violations, City Manager Called “Liar”

Freeport, IL – April 22, 2025

Monday night's Freeport City Council meeting was anything but routine, as tempers flared, residents jeered, and longstanding frustrations with city leadership boiled over into open conflict. With Mayor Jodi Miller absent, Alderman-at-Large Joy Sellers chaired the meeting, navigating a stormy agenda that left many residents questioning the direction and integrity of the city’s leadership.

The evening opened with a prayer by 2nd Ward Alderwoman Elect, Linda Johnson, whose words—“Let all things be done without complaining or dispute”—immediately drew raised eyebrows. Some in the chamber took the comment as a call for peace, while others saw it as a troubling sign that she may be unwilling to challenge the administration on behalf of her constituents.

Ordinance Debate Sparks Fiery Exchange

The meeting quickly turned combative during a heated discussion on a proposed amendment to a long-standing ordinance requiring senior city staff to reside within city limits—a law put in place during Mayor Miller’s first term in 2017. Despite the ordinance being largely unenforced for the past eight years, City Manager Rob Boyer claimed, “No one has broken any ordinances.” That assertion was met with immediate pushback.

4th Ward Alderman Don Parker openly corrected Boyer, stating that the city had violated the ordinance and was now seeking to retroactively change it. “He doesn’t believe in our ordinances unless they fit his narrative,” added the 2nd Ward Alderman, referencing past staff terminations under Boyer for lesser infractions. Boyer simply responded, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

7th Ward Alderman Larry Sanders called for accountability, while Alderman Monroe took the gloves off entirely: “This man [Boyer] is a liar and doesn’t follow the ordinances,” he declared to loud applause. 5th Ward Alderwoman Stacy added, “We cannot trust city leadership,” and 1st Ward Alderman Tom Klemm reminded everyone, that this isn’t the first time this administration has violated the ordinances.

Ultimately, the attempt to revise the ordinance failed, meaning city leadership remains bound by the residency requirement—whether or not they choose to honor it remains to be seen.

Wells, Water, and Wells of Concern

The council passed a motion to regulate wells and septic systems within city limits. While current users are grandfathered in, any failure in their system will now require connection to city water—if available. Public concern was noted, but the measure passed without major incident.

A public hearing was announced for a proposed Special Service Area (SSA) in the Gladewood subdivision. The issue centers around a private road previously maintained by the city. In order to continue service, 17 residents would face an additional $400 annual tax for the next 15 years.

Gaming Fees and Water Loan Transparency

An increase in gaming machine fees was approved, followed by discussion over the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s public water supply loan program. Public Works Director Darin Stykel requested quick authorization—but eyebrows were raised when Alderman Monroe asked, “How much of this money is going to Fehr Graham?” The answer: $400,000. Fehr Graham is the firm that employs Stykel and is contracted to run the city’s public works department.

Performance Review Ignored—Again

In what some called a blatant disregard for contractual obligations, the council voted not to conduct City Manager Rob Boyer’s annual performance review for the eighth consecutive year. This violates the terms of his agreement with the City of Freeport. Aldermen Klemm, Parker, Shadle, and Sellers voted against holding the review, triggering a wave of public dismay.

Controversial Appointment Stands Despite Criminal Past

The most explosive moment came during the reconsideration of Dustin Wilkinson’s appointment to the Planning Commission. New information revealed Wilkinson is facing DUI and domestic violence charges from last summer and has a past conviction for drug trafficking. Despite this, the same four council members—Klemm, Parker, Shadle, and Sellers—voted to keep him in place.

The vote ignited fury among residents in attendance, with many calling for resignations and questioning the council’s judgment. Shouts of “corruption” and “yes men” echoed through City Hall. One attendee left the building stating bitterly, “In Freeport, a white convicted felon is better than the Black man.”

A City at a Crossroads

Monday’s meeting painted a stark picture of a city at a political crossroads. With leadership decisions increasingly questioned, ordinances ignored, and public trust rapidly eroding, the citizens of Freeport are left wondering what kind of city hall they can count on—and whether their voices still matter at all.

As one resident put it while leaving the chambers: “We showed up tonight hoping for answers. Instead, we got more proof that something’s broken.”