The renewed agreement, costing taxpayers another $21,000, will keep the rental registry software in place for another year. According to Duckmann, the software has contributed to significant progress, increasing the city's rental property registration participation rate from 32 percent in 2019 to 77 percent for the 2025 registration period. He also highlighted that the platform automates the registration process, reducing manual workload, and allows for automated payment of late fees. To date, the city has collected just over $2,000 in fines from landlords who failed to register their properties on time.

Despite these claims, the situation remains a work in progress, with 606 rental properties still unregistered as of the meeting. These properties face potential fines of $500 per unit starting July 1, 2025. The Director's presentation made no mention of concerns raised by residents and landlords regarding the fairness or implementation of the program, nor did he address the increasing frustration over the lack of clear communication and accountability in the process.

While Director Duckmann emphasized the program's “wins,” including the improved registration rate, the discussion of failures was notably absent. The city, however, now seems to be following through on enforcement, increasing fines for noncompliance, and it is thought that revenue from the fines will help offset the cost of the program. Fighting4Freeport members, who have long been vocal about the inefficiencies of city programs, find themselves in the unusual position of celebrating the small victories that result from holding the city government accountable.

“We don’t enjoy being seen as the ‘bad guys’ by supporters of the status quo, but sometimes, pressure and public awareness are what it takes to get the city to follow through on their promises,” said a spokesperson from Fighting4Freeport. “This ordinance is finally being enforced, and we’re cautiously optimistic that the increased fines will help pay for the program. We’ll continue to keep an eye on it, and we celebrate every victory, no matter how small—because every dollar of taxpayer money saved matters."

The ordinance passed with no questions or comments from council members Parker, Shadle, Klemm, Sellers, and Johnson, despite public concerns. The complete lack of discussion or feedback from these council members has continued to draw criticism from residents, landlords, and other community advocates, who feel their concerns are being ignored in favor of advancing programs with questionable effectiveness.

As the city moves forward with the program, Fighting4Freeport remains committed to pushing for more transparency and accountability from the City Council. With increased fines now on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether this program will ultimately fulfill its promise of fostering a safer, more efficient rental market—or if it will continue to burden taxpayers with an increasingly expensive solution that is far from flawless.

The Road Ahead: A Final Test for the Rental Registry Program

In the coming months, as the city begins issuing fines and hearings for noncompliant properties, the effectiveness of the Tolemi software—and the enforcement of the rental registry—will be put to the test. Residents and landlords alike are watching closely, eager to see whether the program will truly deliver on its promises or if it will end up being yet another bureaucratic failure in Freeport’s long history.

Fighting4Freeport will continue to monitor the situation, keeping the public informed and holding the city accountable every step of the way.

— Fighting4Freeport