$232,750 Oversight Contract With Fehr Graham — Taxpayers Still in the Dark
August 26, 2025
The Freeport City Council approved a $232,750 engineering contract with Fehr Graham for oversight of the Walnut Road Lift Station project. Fighting4Freeport examines the agreement, questions surrounding project oversight, cost controls, the use of TIF funds, and concerns about transparency and accountability in one of the city's latest infrastructure contracts.
Freeport City Council Passes BYOB Ordinance — But Critics Call It a Cash Grab
August 23, 2025
The Freeport City Council has approved Ordinance 2025-49, requiring BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) establishments to obtain special use permits before operating. Fighting4Freeport examines the ordinance, its potential impact on small businesses, zoning regulations, and the broader debate over economic development, public safety, and City Hall priorities.
Council Expands Zoning for Fitness Centers, but Overlooks Bigger Picture
August 21, 2025
The Freeport City Council has approved Ordinance 2025-48, expanding where gyms and fitness-related businesses may operate throughout the city. While the change could encourage redevelopment and reduce zoning barriers, Fighting4Freeport examines concerns about downtown parking, long-term planning, and whether the ordinance aligns with Freeport's broader revitalization strategy.
Mayor Miller’s Appointment to ADA Commission Exposes More Political Games
August 20, 2025
Mayor Jodi Miller's appointment of Connie Kraft to the Freeport ADA Compliance Commission has sparked questions about the city's appointment process after another applicant, disability advocate Sue Cook, was previously told all seats had been filled. Fighting4Freeport examines the selection process, public records, and the broader debate over transparency, political appointments, and representation on city commissions.
Fehr Graham at the Center of Flawed Overweight Vehicle Ordinance
August 19, 2025
The Freeport City Council approved Ordinance 2025-44 to regulate overweight and oversized vehicles, but Fighting4Freeport's investigation found questions surrounding enforcement, permit fees, transparency, and the role of private contractor Fehr Graham. The ordinance raises broader concerns about infrastructure policy, public accountability, and the outsourcing of government functions.
Secret Contract, Cancelled Meetings, and $7 Million on the Line
August 16, 2025
The Freeport City Council returns for its only voting meeting of August with more than $7 million in spending on the agenda. Fighting4Freeport examines major contracts, the proposed consulting agreement with former department director Wayne Duckmann, questions surrounding the canceled August 4 meeting, and growing concerns over transparency, accountability, and taxpayer oversight.
Joe Berning Enters Illinois Senate District 45 Race — But All Eyes Are on the GOP Showdown
August 14, 2025
With petition season underway for the March 17, 2026, primary election, the Democratic nomination for Illinois' 45th Senate District is already decided as Joe Berning runs unopposed. Fighting4Freeport examines Berning's background, his priorities for the campaign, and why the Republican primary is expected to determine who will ultimately represent Northwest Illinois in Springfield.
Miller Cancels August 4th Meeting — Quorum Excuse Falls Apart
August 12, 2025
Newly obtained FOIA records are raising fresh questions about the Freeport City Council's canceled August 4, 2025, meeting. Fighting4Freeport examines whether the official explanation of a "lack of quorum" aligns with the city's own records and Ordinance 2025-37, as residents seek answers about accountability, transparency, and the enforcement of council rules.
Committee of the Whole Meets August 11 — But the Real Issues Are Still Being Ignored
August 07, 2025
The Freeport City Council will meet for its August 11, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting with an agenda focused on infrastructure, transportation, and utility projects. But Fighting4Freeport argues the city's most pressing issues—including crime, outsourcing, stalled union negotiations, and taxpayer accountability—remain absent from the discussion.
City of Freeport Pay Raises Draw Scrutiny as Leadership Salaries Soar
August 07, 2025
New payroll records show City Manager Rob Boyer received the largest salary increase among Freeport's top administrators in 2024, even as residents faced higher taxes and questions over accountability. Fighting4Freeport examines executive pay, tax policy, contract compliance, and whether City Hall leadership is asking more of taxpayers while rewarding itself.
Tutty Baker Fest 2025 — “Free Event” or Free Ride for Mayor Miller & Friends?
August 06, 2025
One year after Fighting4Freeport first questioned the relationship between Tutty Baker Fest and Mayor Jodi Miller, new reporting examines the role of Freeport Festivals Inc., taxpayer-funded city services, and the continuing debate over transparency, public resources, and accountability. As another festival comes to a close, residents are left asking whether a private event is receiving public support without adequate oversight.
Freeport’s Department of Community and Economic Development: Established for Accountability, Hijacked for Outsourcing?
August 05, 2025
Mayor Jodi Miller’s administration faces new questions after Community and Economic Development Director Wayne Duckmann reportedly left city employment, yet remains listed as the presenter for multiple agenda items at the August 4 City Council meeting. Fighting4Freeport examines whether Freeport is once again relying on private consultants to perform public duties—and what that means for transparency, accountability, and taxpayer oversight.
Duckmann’s Quiet Exit Raises Red Flags Ahead of August 4th City Council Meeting
August 02, 2025
Mayor Jodi Miller’s administration faces new questions after Community and Economic Development Director Wayne Duckmann reportedly left city employment, yet remains listed as the presenter for multiple agenda items at the August 4 City Council meeting. Fighting4Freeport examines whether Freeport is once again relying on private consultants to perform public duties—and what that means for transparency, accountability, and taxpayer oversight.