Freeport City Council rejects proposed Open Bible water line extension referendum

FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) – Monday night at Freeport City Hall brings hours of back and forth with scattered excitement. The issue: an estimated $1 million water expansion on the city’s west side.

One of these properties along the planned expansion is the Open Bible Learning Center: a private school with 200 elementary students. Since 1999, the school and daycare center no longer have a functioning sprinkler system to protect against fires.

In May, a state fire marshal inspection required Open Bible to be connected to the city’s water main and comply with 2024 building codes.

The decision to expand the main line awaits the city council’s decision; Councilman Donald Parker (4th District) argues that if the council doesn’t reach an agreement, a judge will decide for the township.

Before council members debated a deal, the City Council began public comments Monday from Open Bible and child care advocates.

One comes from Amity Daycare & Learning Center, which emphasizes that competition doesn’t matter when student safety is at risk. Another speaker argued that Freeport could not cope with the loss of a child care facility.

After three hours of other agenda items, City Council members arrived at the proposal Monday: a referendum that would put the water line expansion in the hands of Freeport voters in the April 2025 election.

At previous meetings, councilors initially appeared divided, with some claiming that Open Bible should be responsible for the extension; others worry about what will happen if a tragedy occurs before the sprinkler system works.

However, Councilwoman Joy Sellers (At-Large) signaled her willingness to extend it thanks to public comments.

“If I’ve heard some people say ‘no’ to the project, I guess I have to have a different perspective on it, but I don’t see anyone coming to say ‘no,'” said Ald. Salesperson. The council member added that families need a daycare center like Open Bible.

Other leaders like Mayor Jodi Miller provide clarification on issues — including the city’s “commitment” to providing water to residents.

“This is nothing more than a road project,” Mayor Miller proclaims. The leader mentions that an agreement would not mean “handing” Open Bible a million dollars.

Councilman Larry Sanders believes voters should have expressed their opinions at the ballot box – and argues that the council may not have the same opinions as residents. Disagreements between Ald. Sanders and Mayor Miller are also heating up.

“You can apologize,” Mayor Miller asserts as Ald. Sanders talks about other people’s comments.

Monday’s council meeting ended with Councilwoman Cecelia Stacy’s motion for an advisory referendum, which failed 2-6.

The decision about the extension is again the responsibility of the city council. It’s unclear when Open Bible’s water line might return to church floors, but the tense issue will be a community issue in the coming weeks.

The Open Bible Learning Center says it follows fire safety measures such as fire drills.

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