By BEN GRAFTON
At a special advertised meeting lasting less than 10 minutes on Tuesday, Sept. 27, the Freeport City Council adopted its 2011 – 2012 fiscal year budget of $3,715,410. The ad valorem tax millage rate that accompanies the budget was set at 4.73 mills, a figure not exceeding the “roll back” rate.
Other than the mayor, Council members, the city attorney and the city clerk, there were only two people, the city fire chief and a reporter, present to witness the proceedings. This lack of participation follows a similar trend seen in Niceville only a few days ago.
In the discussion it was made clear that the adopted budget does not include county funds for fire department operation. It is understood that county funding is still under study, but without these funds the fire service area will be rolled back to the city limits and personnel lay-offs will be necessary.