Town Council Goals and Guidelines 2021

2021 Freeport Town Council Guidelines & Goals

The Freeport Town Council is committed to engaging our residents, and one another, in respectful, constructive dialogue about issues facing our community. Freeport is a wonderful place to live, work and visit, and has a reputation for inclusiveness and kindness. It is within this organizing principle that we adopt these guidelines:

1. As tax revenue stewards, the Council will prioritize, evaluate and control expenditures in operating and capital budgets to mitigate the impact on the tax payers and maintain a stable tax rate, while providing the highest quality services possible within the resources available. While the Town is subject to the pressures of the COVID19 pandemic the Council will pay particular attention to any related impacts on expenses and income as it affects the town tax mil rate.

2.The Council will promote accountability, transparent intercommunication, information exchange and collaboration on direction and process between Councilors, while conducting town business in a fair and efficient manner. The Council will prioritize: (a) transparency of decision-making and of Town government operations; and (b) attendance at Town Council and assigned Committee meetings.

3. The Council views climate change impacts as a serious threat to our community and will promote discussions with local and state organizations to identify mitigations and adaptation strategies.  The Council will promote within town government, a focus of sustainability and overall carbon reduction in procurement and asset management to assure long term viability of the town budget and process as it compares to the capacity of the community as a whole to support that budget.

4.The Council will be active in maintaining a strong relationship with the RSU5 Board and neighboring municipalities.

In addition to the guidelines set forth above, the Council will work on the following goals in 2021:

1 The Council will create an Aging Calendar matrix to track items and issues brought before Council until their resolution, including referrals out to committees, commissions, and boards, thus promoting accountability.

2. In coordination and collaboration with its committees and corporations, the Council will lead the process of re-envisioning the image and brand of Freeport to an inclusive, diverse, age-friendly community highlighting outdoor activities, experiences and arts.  Connect Freeport is an example.   

3. The Council will affirm that Freeport is a welcoming, inclusive place to live and does not tolerate racism, prejudice or discrimination of any kind. In addition to the work product of an equity assessment committee already formed, this core Value will be reflected in the Town’s public facing communication channels and materials.