What Changed?

Under the original ordinance, garbage fees were scheduled to increase annually through 2028. However, due to a healthy reserve balance in the City’s Health and Environment Fund—the dedicated enterprise fund for waste management—City staff recommended moderating those increases.

Instead of continuing with the automatic rate hikes adopted in earlier years, the revised ordinance reduces the upcoming fees as follows:

Fiscal Year Original Rate vs New Approved Rate Reduction

2025-2026 from $26.83 down to $23.83 reduced by $3.00

2026-2027 from $27.58 down to $25.83 reduced by$1.75

2027-2028 from $29.33 down to $27.74 reduced by $1.59

2028-2029 from $31.36 down to $29.52 reduced by $1.84

These adjustments reflect the City's current financial health in this area and the administration's desire to avoid overcharging residents when surplus funds are available.

No Immediate Impact to Bills

Freeport Finance Director Michelle Richter explained that the ordinance amendment only updates the rate schedule outlined in city code—it does not automatically adjust current utility bills. Future council action would still be required to officially implement the new rates on residents' accounts.

One resident in attendance questioned the fairness of the process: “So they’ve been collecting too much money from us—when are they going to issue refunds?”

Background and Context

The Health and Environment Fund operates as an enterprise fund—meaning it is structured to function like a business. Revenue collected from residents pays for services such as garbage collection, recycling, billing, bad debt coverage, and programs like “Refresh Freeport.” Because the fund has accumulated a positive balance in recent years, especially after Council voted in 2024 to pause the annual rate increase, officials deemed it appropriate to revise the multi-year fee schedule downward.

What’s Next?

While the new ordinance is now law, its practical implementation will depend on future Council discussions and billing adjustments. Residents are advised to stay informed by reviewing City announcements or contacting the Utility Billing Department for updates on when the new rates may take effect on their monthly bills.

Meanwhile, as rumors continue to swirl throughout Freeport that Mayor Jodi Miller and her MAGA Loyalists plan to quietly backpedal and raise taxes on prepared food and grocery items—which were notably left off the 2024 “Miller 1% Tax Increase”—many residents are beginning to question the timing of this rate reduction. Is this genuine fiscal responsibility, or simply a preemptive move to soften the blow of an impending and politically risky tax hike?

—Brought to you and Paid for by Fighting4Freeport