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🦟 Freeport City Council voted to establish its own mosquito control department starting in 2026.
💰 Leaders argue the current property tax model unfairly charges Freeport residents more than other areas like DeFuniak Springs.
📉 The city estimates it can reduce mosquito control costs from $560,000 to $280,000 annually.
After much discussion about fairness and equity at Freeport’s first council meeting of the month, city leaders have decided they want to split off from Walton County’s mosquito control. They hope this decision will save Freeport residents tax money and lead to more efficiency in the future.
Mosquito Control is not optional in the panhandle of Florida especially as yellow flies, mosquitoes, and larvae begin to multiply in northwest Florida.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Haffner argued mosquito control isn’t funded fairly – and the current model lays undue burden on Freeport residents.
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Walton County, she says, funds mosquito control through property tax – property values in Freeport are higher on average than DeFuniak’s – meaning Freeport residents pay more for mosquito control per house than an average resident of DeFuniak would.
The conversation about exorbitant costs to kill mosquitoes consistently irritates councilmembers Brannon and Haffner. Both voted and advocated for an independent mosquito control regimen for Freeport in 2023 because they believe the tax is not fair.
Councilman Farris, at that same meeting in March of 2023, agreed that no one on the Council is for raising taxes. His concern: If Freeport created its own mosquito department, it could cost quite a bit as well.
Haffner mentioned Walton County was not ready to negotiate a new deal with the City, which is why she decided to support the creation of a new, city-controlled, mosquito killing operation.
“The mileage rate is not the way to go,” Councilwoman Brannon argued. Instead, she says a flat rate for each rooftop in the area should be used to ensure fairness. In her comments to the Council, she said the City could provide mosquito control for about $15.00 per house per year.
She also claims that Walton County has too many administrative costs and personnel in its mosquito control department – and is carrying the cost of too many capital assets, like buildings and trucks.
At the April 8 Council meeting, Haffner made her move. She maintained to the council that they should strike out on their own when it comes to mosquito control for the City.
Haffner indicated that Mark Martin, City Manager, is also researching what other counties do and how they manage and operate mosquito departments.
Councilwoman Brannon provided a breakdown of costs for the implementation of a new mosquito department. She asked for the amount Freeport currently pays Walton County for mosquito control.
In response, Haffner said the City forked over $560,000 in fiscal year 2024 – Brannon anticipated the City could start its own program for about $280,000. She also said the City should budget around $40,000 for chemicals per year. They did not include personnel in their annual calculations after the initial year..
The Council voted unanimously to move in the direction of managing the pest control operation internally. The current contract with Walton County will stay in place for this spring, summer, and fall (2025). The next fiscal year (2026), service with North Walton County will come to an end.
Why is Freeport leaving Walton County’s mosquito control program?
How much does Freeport currently pay for mosquito control services?
What are the estimated costs of creating a city-run mosquito control department?
When will Freeport’s mosquito control transition take effect?
What are city leaders’ concerns with the current tax structure for mosquito control?
Who are the councilmembers advocating for the change?
What are the potential financial benefits of an independent program?
