Freeburg board approves insurance renewal, $5,000 HSA transfers and accepts two grants

At its Dec. 15 meeting the Freeburg Village Board approved a package of financial and grant actions that village officials said will support municipal operations and planned improvements. Village Administrator Matt Trout told the board the proposed liability insurance renewal shows an approximate 9.26% increase — about $27,848 — and highlighted items from the renewal packet. Trustee James (Mike) Blaies moved to accept the renewal; the motion passed on a roll call vote (5 ayes, 1 absent).

Trustees also approved a one-time transfer of $5,000 per employee from the Insurance Stability Fund to employees' Health Savings Accounts, effective Nov. 1, following a motion by Blaies that passed on roll call. Village Engineer Tim Pruett reported the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Year 2025 award — for sidewalks and handicap-accessible ramps — and the board voted to execute the grant agreement.

The board accepted a $40,000 St. Clair County Parks Grant to fund various pool items; Trustee Ramon Matchett moved to accept the award and the motion carried. Village Administrator Trout said details on implementation will follow as staff drafts project scopes and executes grant agreements.