In a recent government meeting, the City Council of Freeport conducted a series of votes regarding the 2024 tax rate and budget, culminating in a contentious atmosphere marked by dissent from Councilman Pena. The council approved a total tax rate of 51.4967 cents per $100 valuation, which includes a maintenance and operation rate of 45.0351 cents and a debt service rate of 0.64616 cents. The motions passed with a 4 to 1 vote, with Councilman Pena expressing distrust in the budget's revenue projections and voting against the measures.

During the discussions, it was clarified that the proposed tax rate does not exceed the no-new-revenue rate, which means it does not constitute a tax increase and does not require a record vote. Councilman Pena, however, voiced concerns about discrepancies in the budget and urged residents to scrutinize the financial decisions being made, emphasizing accountability for what he described as \"shortages\" and \"deceptions\" in the budget process.

The council also moved to adopt an ordinance establishing the tax rate, which was similarly approved with a 4 to 1 vote, again with Councilman Pena dissenting. Following the tax rate discussions, the council addressed an amendment to the city's investment policy, as mandated by the Public Funds Investment Act, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and transparency in financial management.

The meeting underscored the challenges faced by the council in balancing fiscal responsibility with public trust, as highlighted by the stark division in voting and the concerns raised by Councilman Pena.