City Manager Boyer presented the project as a step forward attracting tourists to Freeport. Boyer even went as far as to assure the public that the cost to taxpayers would be "potentially nothing," citing that only concrete paving and striping would be needed for the installation. However, this statement did little to quell public concerns. One resident expressed disbelief, asking, "Has he seen those lots? Are we just paving over that mess, or is he leaving out the part about how much we're actually going to have to spend?"

While the $320,000 grant is certainly helpful, it’s important to note that these grants are still funded by taxpayer dollars—something that has not been sufficiently acknowledged by the city’s leadership. "It amazes me that Mayor Miller, Manager Boyer, and the so-called 'fiscally conservative' council members continue to ignore the fact that grant money is still tax dollars," said a spokesperson for Fighting4Freeport. "It’s hypocritical for their party to continuously complain about high Illinois taxes while eagerly accepting grants from Governor Pritzker's office. This is not free money—it's still coming from hardworking taxpayers."

The decision to move forward with the installation of EV chargers, which many view as a luxury rather than a necessity, has sparked further debate. Critics argue that this $180,000 expenditure should instead be directed towards urgent needs such as crime prevention, repairing deteriorating infrastructure, and fostering job growth and local business development. Residents feel their concerns about these basic services are being ignored in favor of initiatives that benefit only a small segment of the population.

"While we do support green energy, it’s hard to justify spending money on chargers when basic services like public safety and infrastructure are underfunded," said another resident. "We need to be prioritizing the essentials, not luxuries."

The city’s decision to approve the EV charging station project comes despite concerns about its true cost and necessity. The $180,000 in taxpayer funds for installation, combined with a previous $90,000 already allocated for the design work, has raised questions about how much Freeport is truly investing in this project—especially when such investments could be better spent on addressing issues that directly affect the day-to-day lives of residents.

As the installation of the EV charging stations moves forward, Fighting4Freeport will continue to press for greater transparency in the city’s budgeting process. "If the city is serious about responsible fiscal management, it needs to prioritize the real needs of the community—public safety, infrastructure repairs, and job creation. EV chargers may be nice to have, but they’re far from the most pressing issue facing Freeport right now," said the spokesperson.

The Road Ahead: What Should Freeport Really Be Focusing On?

While the EV charging station installation may offer long-term environmental benefits, the immediate needs of Freeport’s residents cannot be overlooked. With concerns about crime, aging infrastructure, and a stagnant local economy, Fighting4Freeport believes that the city’s focus should shift back to the essentials—providing the services that will benefit all residents, not just a select few with electric vehicles.

As Freeport continues down the path of modernization and sustainability, it is essential that the city balances these forward-thinking projects with the urgent needs of the community. Only then can Freeport begin to truly thrive, both environmentally and economically, without burdening taxpayers with unnecessary expenditures.

Fighting4Freeport will continue to hold the city accountable, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent in a way that serves the greater good of all Freeport residents.

— Fighting4Freeport