Budget Workshop

The City of Freeport held a budget workshop on August 18, 2026, where Finance Director Bruce Simmons presented updates on the city's fiscal planning. Council discussed several budget adjustments, including increased expenses for road repairs and maintenance (up $100,000), Highway 20 resurfacing (estimate increased from $200,000 to $575,900), Highway 20 turn lanes ($750,000 each, potentially $875,000), batting cages in Parks (up $10,000), and a monitoring well for the Water Department ($180,000). Staff also reviewed the employee compensation package, including a defined contribution increase of $65 per month per employee (up 57% since fiscal year 2022–2023) and recommended a 3% flat salary increase to normalize the prior year's larger increases. The council noted that the first budget hearing is scheduled for September 9th and the final hearing for September 15th, and discussed advertising the hearings in the Northwest Florida Daily News to allow time for budget adjustments if needed.

These budget discussions will shape the city's spending priorities and tax impact on residents; the increased costs for road infrastructure and employee benefits will be reflected in the final budget hearing scheduled for September 15th. Residents should be aware of significant increases in road maintenance and resurfacing costs that may affect city services and finances.