Council opts for low-cost outreach for 5,000 mosquito-control fly balls

City staff told the Freeport council March 26 that 5,000 mosquito-control "fly balls" had arrived and outlined several distribution options limited to city taxpayers and residents. Staff emphasized the city wanted to ensure the free items reach residents who pay city taxes.

Options presented included a paid vendor mailer (estimated about $5,400), an in‑house trifold mail-out through the U.S. Postal Service (estimated about $3,800 plus supplies), or digital outreach with scheduled pickup dates requiring proof of residency. Several council members said spending several thousand dollars to notify residents about a free item was not a prudent use of funds.

Councilwoman Brandon and others suggested placing a notice on the utility bill, posting instructions on the city website and Facebook, and making the fly balls available at the water department or city hall during posted hours with proof of residency. Staff noted the next utility bill cycle (April 23) already has required consumer notice material and may limit space for another message, so staff recommended a mix of in‑office distribution, city postings and social media with utility-bill placement on the next cycle if needed.

Why this matters: The approach balances cost control with reaching residents, particularly those who may not use social media, by combining in‑office pickup and targeted notices where feasible.

Next steps: Staff will finalize a low‑cost outreach plan (in‑office pickup dates, Facebook post, flyers at city hall) and use utility-bill messaging on the next billing cycle if space permits.