We’re successfully managing the village’s challenges

In the tenure of my administration, there has been a persistent commitment to challenge every department in the village to undergo a comprehensive re-evaluation and transformation in the utilization of tax dollars. This ambitious restructuring initiative has necessitated rigorous accountability, calling for a reduction in expenditures and a simultaneous increase in non-tax revenues at all levels of government.

The ongoing success of this multifaceted process has culminated in the establishment of a financially secure, efficient, and responsive budget. It ensures the delivery of the highest level of services, encompassing vital areas such as police, sanitation, the Department of Public Works, electric, and water, to all the residents of Freeport.

A pivotal achievement has been the recruitment and retention of a record number of new police officers, elevating our force to an impressive 107 members — the highest count in decades. This substantial increase, coupled with the implementation of our innovative license plate recognition program, has yielded a remarkable 56 percent reduction in crime across the village. Importantly, Freeport stands as a pioneering village in mandating the use of body cameras for all patrol officers.

From a fiscal standpoint, Freeport has achieved commendable milestones, seeing reserves surge from $1.2 million to an impressive $39 million. Simultaneously, we have successfully reduced debt from $160 million to a manageable $76 million dollars. Despite challenges posed by Superstorm Sandy and the global pandemic, Freeport’s economic development persists, fortifying the tax base, notably evident in the flourishing Sunrise Highway corridor. The commitment to infrastructure is also evident in the resurfacing of 104 roads, a tangible manifestation of our dedication to ensuring the safety and convenience of our residents.

I am thrilled to report that despite navigating the hurdles presented by Sandy, the pandemic and other unforeseen challenges, we have managed to further reduce costs across the board. Navigating the mandated increases in pension, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, medical insurance and labor costs, as well as the increasing expense of property and flood insurance policies, while addressing reductions in federal and state aid, required strategic planning and unwavering commitment.

As proposed, the tax rate for the average homeowner now stands at $61.561 per $100 of assessed valuation, a modest reduction from the previous year. This budget marks the 11th consecutive year with no tax rate increase for village residents. This consistent commitment to fiscal prudence and financial stability has been pivotal in alleviating the burden on our residents, especially during these times of economic stress.

Our budgetary decisions have adeptly struck a delicate balance, preserving essential village services while stabilizing the tax burden for the majority of our residents. This accomplishment is the result of the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the budget process, from department heads to committed staff members. As we move forward, I extend my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of this budget.

And as we approach Valentine’s Day, I extend warm wishes to each and every member of our community for a healthy and happy holiday. Together we have built a foundation of financial resilience and community well-being, ensuring that Freeport remains a wonderful place to call home. The shared commitment to progress and prosperity has created a legacy that will endure for generations, making our village an example of responsible governance and community pride.

Robert Kennedy is the mayor of Freeport.