Incorporated Village of Freeport

*****From the desk of Mayor Robert T. Kennedy**** I'm pleased to report that the first round of tax rebate checks were sent out two days ago, with the remainder to follow in the next few days. Once again, I want to thank everyone on my team for making this happen.... In today's tough times, your tax dollars belong to you. Robert T. Kennedy

Thank you Freeport Fire Department!

The Mayor's Office deeply regrets to announce the passing of retired State Supreme Court Judge Ralph Franco. Judge Franco courageously served his Country during World War II as a member of the United States Navy. When he returned to Freeport, his honor was a former Freeport Village Justice, Trustee, Deputy Mayor, Deputy Village Attorney, and member of various Freeport Boards and Commissions. To Honor Judge Franco's service to this Nation, and to Freeport, Mayor Kennedy requested all flags on Freeport Government Buildings be at half-staff until Monday. We are saddened to hear of his passing, and wish his family well during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.

At a press conference at Village Hall today, I was proud to announce that, because of our advocacy here in Freeport and throughout the State of New York, we were able to successfully lobby to amend the discovery laws and, in turn, alleviate the crippling financial impact that these New York State mandates would have had on our police department and Village. As President of the New York Conference of Mayors, I made this my top priority, for the residents of Freeport and my c...onstituents across the state. As you may remember, I informed you of an increase in your taxes in the Village of Freeport. Though we held the line on taxes in the past, with a 0% tax hike for the past seven consecutive years, we were saddened to have to break such an important streak. We raised taxes to the tune of just over 5% -- or $2.7 million Villagewide. When these requirements were reversed, it rendered this tax hike unnecessary. I am pleased to inform you that the Village of Freeport will be returning this money to you, the taxpayers. Every cent of it. Your checks should be going out in a few weeks. https://www.newsday.com//towns/covid19-freeport-1.50035767

Freeport Select Chorale Members Selected for NYSSMA All-State Chorus Two Freeport High School Select Chorale members were chosen to participate in the 2020 New ...York State School Music Association Conference All-State Chorus. Participation in the event, which will take place virtually, is the highest level in the state a student musician can achieve. Seniors Karla Martinez and Jasmine Quezada-Tejada, under the guidance of chorale director Monique Campbell Retzlaff, were selected for the 2020 All-State Chorus based on the scores they received when they were sophomores. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the selection process for 2020 included the results of the 2019 NYSSMA adjudications due to the canceled spring NYSSMA festivals. The All-State experience will be different than previous years with Karla and Jasmine virtually rehearsing with the other members of the All-State chorus in early December 2020. At the conclusion of scheduled rehearsals, the All-State Chorus will record a virtual concert. The District would like to congratulate both students on their outstanding accomplishments.

From Mayor Kennedy and the Board of Trustees:

As cooler weather approaches, Mayor Kennedy and the Board of Trustees would like to remind those with wood burning stoves the guidelines that should be reviewed and followed. As always, please be safe and practice social distancing. https://www.epa.gov/residential-wood-heaters

Legislator Debra Mulé Leads Freeport Legislative Delegation in Securing $150,000 CRP for New Fire Department Radios https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=8492

To those who celebrate, a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Congratulations to Raymond Horton for being sworn in as Chief of the Freeport Police Department. Chief Horton is a 34 (plus) year veteran of the Freeport Police Department, and was the Department's Assistant Chief for the past few years. Chief Horton follows Chief Miguel Bermudez who retired earlier this year. On behalf of Mayor Kennedy and the Board of Trustees, once again, congratulations Chief Horton!

Mayor Kennedy and the Board of Trustees are proud to announce that Moody's Investment Services has, once again, rated the Village an "Aa3." One of the strongest credit ratings a municipality can receive. In just the past eight years, Freeport has received two upgraded ratings from Moody's. Citing the Village's strong reserves, and that, "management has made a concerted effort to strengthen village finances while avoiding tax increases whenever possible...[and further that] Freeport's finances will remain healthy in the near to medium term as management continues to budget conservatively and actively seeks new revenue streams," Moody's confirms the "Aa3," rating. Moody's Investment Services 9/4/2020

** SCAM ALERT ** Be advised that if you receive a phone call from the Social Security Administration or any Government Agency (Bail Bondsman, IRS, Utility) ...requesting money in the form of GIFT CARDS or US CURRENCY in a box, it is a SCAM!! Scammers are using fake phone numbers and advising people that there is WARRANT out for their arrest if they don’t satify the fines with money These criminals will pretend to be District Attorneys & Police Departments. NEVER GIVE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OVER THE PHONE If you are unsure, please hang up and contact your local authorities. 9-1-1 DO NOT SEND MONEY DO NOT SEND GIFT CARDS DO NOT WIRE MONEY VIA BANK or WESTERN UNION PLEASE REPOST & SHARE!!!! NOTIFY YOUR PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, FRIENDS & FAMILY MEMBERS