Regular Council Meeting

Held second reading, conducted public hearing, and adopted Ordinance Number 2026-07 banning data centers in the city.

Warren Averett presented the 2025 audit findings, which received a clean opinion (unmodified) and a clean single audit report. Property tax revenues increased 1.1 million dollars due to increased assessed values. The city received a 1-million-dollar threshold in federal award expenditures for the wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

• 1.1 million · tax revenue increase
• 275 million · increase in assessed property value from 2023 to 2024 levy
• 1 million · intergovernmental revenue increase
• 106,000 · depreciation expense increase

Tabled to budget workshop for further discussion. WCEDA requested $40,000.00 in quarterly payments for economic development activities.

• $40,000.00 · WCEDA funding request

Council directed staff to explore connecting two existing sidewalks at the Sports Complex (one on the east side and one on the west side) to the existing walkway and asphalt path on Hammock Trail Boulevard. Staff will determine easement requirements and develop an engineered plan meeting traffic standards.

Where: Sports Complex; Hammock Trail Boulevard

Council directed staff to reach out to the Florida Department of Transportation to explore partnering on adding turning lanes during the planned Highway 20 resurfacing project, particularly at intersections like North Jackson, South Jackson, and West Bay Loop/Highway 83a to improve traffic flow through Freeport.

Where: Highway 20; North Jackson; South Jackson; Blueberry; West Bay Loop; Highway 83a

Tabled the air conditioning request until a corrected third bid could be provided. Director had requested approval of Odis Brown five-ton units for redundancy in the motor control center room.

• $11,952.00 · Green Air quote for 2 three-ton units
• $13,500.00 · Mills estimate for 2 five-ton units (approximate, mentioned as higher)

Approved the new contract renewal with Walton County Sheriff's Office for labor workers.

Approved Green Air's quote for air conditioning replacement in the concession stand press box at the park.

• $9,123.00 · Green Air quote for A/C replacement

Approved the Coastal Elite Baseball Tournament to be held at the Sports Complex on August 22-23.

Where: Sports Complex

Approved the Freeport High School Homecoming Parade.

Council directed staff to reject the proposed $67,000 brick paver crosswalk design for Ronnie Brannon Park. Council also passed a standing policy directing staff to reject all non-standard or upscale design elements like brick pavers for streets, with the option for applicants to make a special presentation to council if desired.

• $67,000.00 · cost of brick paver crosswalk option for Ronnie Brannon Park

Where: Ronnie Brannon Park

Council indicated approval in principle for Town Planters to enhance landscaping around the welcome to Freeport signs and add landscaping at the community center fountain, subject to Planning Department review for compliance with city landscaping standards.

Where: Welcome to Freeport signs; Community Center

Approved bills and meeting minutes from June 9 and June 25, 2026 on the consent agenda.

Approved the interlocal agreement with Walton County for use of the Sports Complex as an Emergency Management Point of Delivery in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Where: Sports Complex