Mayor Remains Silent as Council Calls for Answers

Freeport, IL – April 15, 2025

Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting at Freeport City Hall, chaired by 4th Ward Alderman Donald Parker, ran at about two hours as community tensions, council disputes, and questions about transparency came to a boiling point.

The meeting opened with spirited public comments, with one resident criticizing the city's neglect of its own properties while enforcing penalties on citizens. Her remarks shifted to a pointed condemnation of Mayor Jodi Miller’s recent appointment of Dustin Wilkinson to the Planning Commission—an individual currently facing domestic violence charges. Her commentary drew a smirk from Mayor Miller, to which she snapped, "Smirk all you want, Mayor." The Mayor maintained that same expression throughout the remainder of the meeting, according to attendees.

Greater Freeport Partnership’s Vague Accomplishments and Scrutiny

The Greater Freeport Partnership (GFP) delivered its Q1 2025 update, with Ms. Winter touting a forthcoming food manufacturer to the area. However, the announcement lacked key details such as location—suspected to be outside Freeport—and the identity of the company. AutoSmart, the new occupant of the former Freeport Visitor’s Center, was mentioned as an example of progress, having opened due to an existing relationship with a board member involved in the building’s sale.

Winter also reported that GFP helped four local businesses apply for grants, though no names or outcomes were provided. She noted Honeywell’s interest in expanding operations in Freeport but cited a lack of workforce as a barrier. The report listed GFP’s current membership: 249 Basic Members, 120 nonprofits, and 39 Community Partners. Additionally, the organization is beginning work on a “Talent Attraction & Retention” strategy—without offering much explanation as to why this initiative is just now starting.

A 3% increase in hotel tax revenue between 2023 and 2024 was highlighted, though 1% of that came from a tax hike, and no concrete explanation was given for the remaining 2% increase beyond a general suggestion of more hotel guests.

3rd Ward Alderwoman Simmons pressed the organization—again—on what new businesses GFP has brought to Freeport. Initially, the answer seemed to be none, until Winter cited Trabak LLC, a company GFP helped move into Freeport, which Alderman James Monroe pointed out is now leaving.

Monroe voiced concerns over GFP’s handling of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars, revealing that funds were given to The Wagner House and Seaga Manufacturing. “Special treatment is preventing Freeport from moving forward,” Monroe stated. That’s when 1st Ward Alderman Tom Klemm erupted in defense of GFP, blaming the prior council under Mayor Miller for granting $60,000 to The Wagner House and $95,000 to Seaga’s owner, Steve Chesney—father of State Senator Andrew Chesney—who, Klemm claimed, came to city hall and “whined” for money.

TIF Fund or Slush Fund?

Discussion turned to the Lamm Road TIF District, with Alderwoman Simmons and others questioning its use. Stacy revealed that $3.8 million currently sits in the fund, which she believes is being used more like a “slush fund” than a driver for development. She called for its termination and redistribution of funds to taxing bodies, potentially lowering property taxes.

City Manager Rob Boyer countered that a lift station is planned at Lamm and Walnut to support future development and airport water access. Director Duckmann tried to cool tensions by stating the TIF is set to expire in a year—though he omitted the fact that such districts are often extended.

Alderman Monroe doubled down, calling for “meaningful development” and condemning the current administration: “We are not developing because we are helping your buddies.”

EV Charging Station Controversy

The EV charging station project resurfaced, as council members expressed frustration over learning—after approving a $90,000 design payment to Fehr Graham—that the administration planned to spend an additional $200,000 in taxpayer funds for electrical, ADA compliance, and lot repair work.

Public Works Director Darin Stykel announced late-breaking news that Freeport may receive a $500,000 grant from ComEd, which could cover much of the project. But the debate didn’t end there—7th Ward Alderman Larry Sanders questioned whether any actual data exists showing local need for the chargers. There is none. Manager Boyer continued pushing the project, falsely claiming that there are no charging stations between Chicago and Galena—despite there being over 75, mostly in Rockford.

Landlord Registry Enforcement Looms

The Council also addressed the city’s landlord registry ordinance. Director Duckmann announced that 763 known rental properties remain unregistered despite the April 1 deadline. Though Duckmann declined to confirm whether fines had been issued, he told the council to “sit back & relax,” suggesting enforcement is underway and will escalate. What remains unclear is what the city will do if landlords refuse to pay.

Contentious Planning Commission Appointment

Perhaps the most heated moment came when Alderwoman Simmons confronted Mayor Miller’s appointment of Dustin Wilkinson to the Planning Commission—an appointment the council believed was to fill a vacancy, not to replace former commission member and recent mayoral challenger Joshua Atkinson.

“Guess what Madam Mayor, you can’t do that,” Stacy declared, citing ordinance rules for removing commission members. She accused the Mayor of misleading the council and retaliating against a political opponent. Atkinson, present at the meeting, issued a sharp rebuke:

“I can understand why the Mayor might not want me serving the city of Freeport. Unfortunately, after such a disgusting campaign for her re-election, the trust may never be fixed. All Mayor Miller had to do was give me a call… We could have talked and out of respect I would have resigned. Unfortunately, the Mayor chose this course—yet again putting her desires before this community.”

A City Watching Closely

City Hall was once again filled to capacity, with residents making it clear they are paying attention. From misused funds to broken promises and questionable appointments, citizens are demanding something Freeport’s government has too often failed to deliver: transparency, integrity, and accountability.

As the 2025 municipal calendar unfolds, one thing is certain—Freeport’s residents are watching, and they are not staying quiet.