Lake Wales commission adopts runoff-election amendment to charter

Lake Wales — The City Commission of the City of Lake Wales voted unanimously May 6 to adopt Ordinance 2025-03, amending the city charter to provide for runoff elections when no candidate receives a majority of votes.

The ordinance, described on the meeting agenda as Amending Section 8.06 of the charter and Chapter 8 of the Lake Wales Code of Ordinances, was read by title at the commission’s second reading and public hearing. No member of the public requested to speak on the ordinance during the hearing.

Under the change the city will hold a runoff election between the top two candidates when no candidate for mayor or commissioner receives a majority of ballots cast. The ordinance also amends the city code’s method for election to commission seats and the method for determination of results; it repeals conflicting ordinances and provides for an effective date in the ordinance text.

Commissioners called for approval after the second-reading hearing and the commission then voted by roll call. Commissioner Thompson, Commissioner Williams, Deputy Mayor Gibson and Mayor Jack Hillgoss each voted yes, and the ordinance was adopted.

The commission proceeded with its agenda after the vote; the record shows no amendments were offered during the hearing and no public comments were received on the item.