The City Commission and CRA Board of the City of Wauchula are scheduled to meet Nov. 9, 2026, to consider final budget adjustments, several infrastructure procurement items and CRA grant actions.

Nov

Planning and Zoning Board

At a Hardee County Planning and Zoning Board public hearing, staff recommended and the board voted to recommend approval of setback variances for a replacement home at 415 Tuskegee Street; the recommendation will go to the Board of County Commissioners. The board set its next regular meeting for Dec. 3, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Board clarified lot features and permit history.
•Board members queried permit history for sheds, the source of encroachments, and whether the house remains occupied.
•Staff presented a variance request for a replacement modular home under the Hurricane Rebuild Florida program; the lot is nonconforming (approx. 50' x 80') and contains porches and sheds that encroach on setbacks.
•Staff recommendation under LDC section 1103.

Decisions

•Board voted to recommend approval of the setback variance (agenda item 27-01).
•Motion to recommend variances approved by board; final decision pending commissioners.

Directions

•Recommendation forwarded to Board of County Commissioners.
•Recommendation to be forwarded to the Hardee County Board of County Commissioners for final action.

Nov

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners met Nov. 5, 2026, approving a proclamation for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month, several procurement awards and resolutions (including a $15 million revolving line of credit), a variance for a residential setback, and receiving updates on storm damage and infrastructure projects.

Discussion Points

•Bid opening: four bids received; Cobb low bidder at ~$1.233M
•Budget: remain within project funding for phases five and six
•CDBG-DR funding totals and consultant fees (1.9M total; $284k for consultant)
•Clarification sought on how 'services' and registry counts are defined
•Consistency: other nonconforming homes exist on Chester Avenue
•Controls: draw-request form signed by chair and clerk; minimum draw $100,000
•Loan purpose: short-term bridging of grant reimbursements
•NEPA and agency reviews expected to last ~1 year; possible archaeological/endangered-species constraints
•Only about $1.6M remains for removal and will require site prioritization
•Presentation of proclamation and health-center service totals
•Project budget and contingency: project budget $2,065,808.50 with $832,766.72 contingency
•Property impacts: more than 30 owners will be affected and will be notified
•Rationale for paring the list based on lobbyist guidance and state projections
•Reason for variance: 2024 survey omitted right‑of‑way location
•Scope and total dollar ask for packet ($48M cited; $73M including jail expansion)
•Scope: reshape shell road, compact base, do drainage and shoulder work, raise manholes and pave
•Terms: up to $15M, maturity Nov. 10, 2029, variable WSJ rate, covenant to budget and appropriate
•Timing for presentation to legislative delegation on Dec. 11
•Timing: issue discovered after slab and during vertical construction

Decisions

•Award approved 5–0
•Proclamation approved 5–0
•Resolution 2027-02 approved 5–0
•Resolution 2027-06 approved 5–0
•Resolution 2027-09 approved 5–0
•Resolution 2027-11 approved
•Variance 26-70 approved 5–0

Directions

•Award to Apex for environmental compliance; staff to coordinate with federal/state agencies and return with prioritized removal plan once NEPA is complete
•Award to Cobb; county to manage access agreements and return for any change orders beyond authority
•Prioritize projects and pursue direct-pay grant scopes when possible; present the packet to delegation Dec. 11
•Proceed with award and county prep work; monitor for change orders
•Staff and health center to use November for outreach and to provide further data if requested
•Staff to develop internal threshold policy and periodic reporting for board review
•Staff to require clearer delineation of right‑of‑way on future surveys and permits

Nov

City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - PDF Agenda for City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - 11/02/2026 - 5:00pm

City Commission and CRA Board workshop agenda lists seven substantive items including a proposed legislative priorities resolution, multiple water and infrastructure projects, grant extensions, and a special-event application for the Nov. 2, 2026 meeting.

Nov

City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - PDF Agenda Packet for City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - 11/02/2026 - 5:00pm

The City Commission and CRA Board are scheduled to consider a municipal legislative-priorities resolution, advertise bidding documents for Court Street roadway work funded through FDOT, an award recommendation for the Heard Bridge water‑main loop, and a special‑event application for a Shop Small Saturday brunch. Two CRA grant items include a request to extend a commercial revitalization grant.

Discussion Points

•Applicant cites unforeseen structural and utility issues that delayed work and requests a multi‑month extension
•Applicant requests five months additional time and asks the CRA to allow seven months to provide a cushion; no dollar change or new cost breakdown provided in packet
•Application identifies required insurance ($1,000,000) and DBPR permit if alcohol is sold; pavilion rental does not close public park
•Application requests Heritage Park Pavilion rental for Nov. 28, 2026 with alcohol service and food vendors
•Contract time and liquidated damages (180 days to substantial completion; $500/day) are specified in the contract form
•DCCM recommends Tri‑Sure Corporation at $425,720 and notes references checked were positive
•Memo flags arithmetic errors on JDS Piping’s bid form
•Memo reports 12 bids received and an engineer’s probable cost estimate of $1,276,925
•Packet asks commission to authorize advertisement of invitation for bids and to approve the procurement schedule
•Packet lists FDOT funding and standard bonding/trench safety/insurance requirements that bidders must meet
•Resolution contains policy language urging opposition to state preemption and requesting offset funding for lost property tax base
•Resolution endorses Florida League of Cities priorities as appropriate to small rural cities
•Resolution lists discrete capital projects and program requests for the 2027 session

Directions

•Commission may review recommendation and either direct staff to issue a Notice of Award or request further review
•Commission may set required conditions (insurance, vendor permits, restroom access, safety plan) if approving event
•CRA may ask the applicant for updated contractor schedules, change‑order cost documentation, and permit records before approving any extension
•If adopted, compile legislative packet for distribution to state delegation and Florida League of Cities
•If approved, staff will publish solicitation, hold mandatory pre‑bid meeting Dec. 2 and open bids Dec. 17

Oct

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

Hardee County Commission met Oct. 15, 2026. The board approved proclamations for World Polio Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, approved a variance for a Rebuild Florida home, awarded the Huachula Hills Phase 7 water and sewer contract, ratified a wage agreement with IAFF Local 3471, made licensing-board appointments, and approved a letter of intent to pursue a replacement loader.

Discussion Points

•Bid opening produced responsive low bid from CWA Environmental Services.
•Board approved a set of routine and substantive measures including multi‑million dollar contract award and a labor MOA.
•Board debated reappraisal costs, minimum bid levels, and whether to relist on GovDeals or use RFP.
•Budget impact estimated at $268,621; staff will reallocate from overtime and other lines and present a budget amendment.
•Commissioners discussed consistency with past approvals and potential road‑widening impacts.
•Commissioners emphasized recruitment and retention and requested inclusion of new pay data in the fire assessment study.
•County attorney advised that state law prevents counties from banning H‑2A housing on bona fide agricultural parcels.
•History of attempts to market Resthaven; previous appraisal Oct. 2024 and March 2025 bid.
•Line of credit documents are under bank review; franchise agreement with disposal contractor is nearing completion.
•Lot is nonconforming; standard setbacks would leave no buildable area.
•MOA provides one‑time 10% increase plus existing 2% COLA and steps.
•Project funding includes FDEP, EDA and local allocations; extra funds likely restricted to sewer vs. water components.
•Rotary presented World Polio Day proclamation and asked for local recognition.
•Several items will require follow-up (budget amendment, contract signatures, confirmations with grantors).
•Sheriff's office read domestic violence proclamation and noted local shelter resources and fundraising.
•Staff and planning board recommended approval under ULDC §11.03.
•Staff recommended award and discussed savings and possible expansion of limits with state funder approval.
•Staff will use cooperative purchasing and mechanical inspections to minimize risk of buying used equipment without warranty.
•Stolen loader insured for $100,000; replacement options exceed that amount and may require reserve funding or lease options.

Decisions

•All listed motions approved as recorded; appointment vote recorded 4–0 with one abstention.
•Board approved both proclamations (5–0).
•Board directed staff to pursue relisting or RFP and confirmed prior motion to sell remains in effect.
•LOI authorized up to $100,000 (5–0); updates accepted for other items.
•MOA approved (5–0); pay effective retroactive to Oct. 1; budget amendment to follow.
•Resolution to award ITB approved (5–0).
•Variance request 26‑62 approved (5–0).

Directions

•Approve LOI authority; staff to return with purchase ratification and provide utilization/warranty details.
•Approve MOA and have staff present a budget amendment at the next meeting; provide wage info to fire assessment consultants.
•Authorize chair or county manager to sign required documents after staff finalizes paperwork.
•Authorize county manager/chair to execute agreement with the low bidder; staff to pursue grant amendments if desired.
•If sale proceeds are received, earmark them for capital projects unless the board specifies otherwise.
•Staff to contact GovDeals about relisting and minimum bid parameters; if relisting not possible, proceed with an RFP.
•Staff to continue negotiations on line of credit and finalize franchise amendment drafts for board review.
•Staff to post proclamations on county website and coordinate publicity with partners.
•Staff to return with budget amendment and contract documents and pursue GovDeals relisting or RFP for Resthaven property.

Oct

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

Hardee County commissioners held an October 15 workshop on the proposed Paints Creek Reserve Planned Unit Development, a large master-planned project that could allow as many as 7,602 age-restricted dwelling units and large nonresidential uses; staff and the applicant presented concept plans and commissioners pressed for more data on wetlands, developable acreage, wastewater disposal and public‑health testing before any land‑use decision.

Discussion Points

•Applicant cited a 3% franchise fee on utilities and an economic study estimating millions in annual revenue.
•Applicant requested land‑use amendments, PUD rezoning and a development agreement that would assign infrastructure responsibility to the owner.
•Commissioners asked for an independent fiscal impact study to verify benefits versus long‑term costs.
•Commissioners asked for a wastewater effluent disposal plan prior to land‑use approvals.
•Commissioners asked whether updated jurisdictional wetland determinations exist.
•Commissioners raised technical questions about developable acreage, wetlands, wastewater disposal, and public‑health testing (radon/radiological).
•Public urged conditions, protections or denial for the high density request.
•Questions raised about need for SPTs / geotechnical testing on reclaimed mine land.
•Speakers emphasized potential agricultural loss and disruption to rural character.
•Staff and consultant presented the Paints Creek Reserve PUD and its history (2014 comp plan amendment; 2019 rezoning).
•Staff will continue to gather requested technical/fiscal studies before forwarding any land‑use action.
•Workshop is informational—no motions or votes allowed.

Decisions

•No action taken; public comments added to record.
•No decisions; board declined to take final action at workshop.
•No decisions were made at the workshop.
•No decision to require an independent study made at the workshop; commissioners expressed interest in one.
•No formal decisions were taken at this workshop; it was informational only.

Directions

•Commissioners to consider public concerns and request additional information and safeguards before any vote.
•Consider commissioning an independent fiscal analysis before transmitting or approving comp plan amendments.
•Staff and applicant to identify where updated wetland delineations, geotechnical reports and wastewater options can be provided and whether to require them as part of any development agreement or conditions.
•Staff to continue review and provide additional analyses and documentation ahead of any future land‑use vote.
•Staff to provide additional analyses (wetlands, soils, wastewater, fiscal) and bring the item back for public hearings and any formal votes.

Oct

City Commission and CRA Board Meeting - PDF Minutes for City Commission and CRA Board Meeting - 10/12/2026 - 6:00pm

The City of Wauchula City Commission and CRA Board met Oct. 12, 2026. The commission approved routine minutes and agenda items, issued a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, heard two ordinances on first reading including budget adjustments, approved rejecting prior bids for a water/tower project, authorized depot flooring option A, and the CRA approved grant and Main Street funding agreements.

Discussion Points

•City Manager explained effect of rejecting bids and restarting procurement.
•Commission later ratified CRA actions and approved Resolution 2026-25.
•CRA Board approved grant program and funding agreement.
•Hatcher-Bolin read ordinance title.
•No specific reasons for rejection were recorded in the minutes.
•Ordinance read by title by Hatcher-Bolin.
•Preference for Option A and permanent placement for wagon wheel table.
•Presentation by Sandee Braxton of budget adjustments.
•Presentation by Sandra Rojas to raise awareness and prevention of domestic violence.
•Presentation of EAR-based text amendments by Marisa Barmby.
•Warranty concerns raised by Commissioner Albritton.

Decisions

•CRA approvals ratified by commission
•Option A approved
•Ordinance taken on first reading
•Proclamation approved
•Resolution approved; staff to restart procurement

Oct

Economic Development Council/Industrial Development Authority

Hardee County Industrial Development Authority meeting covering project updates (Debut completion, multipurpose facility, manufacturing hub), presentation of the US‑17 corridor study, approval of a $6 million state appropriation award agreement for downtown revitalization, multiple land and lease actions, and routine financial and administrative votes.

Discussion Points

•Amendment modifies timeline to follow city bond approval.
•Bankruptcy process and equipment ownership complicate marketing.
•Bank signatory administrative update.
•County manager identified legislative priorities tied to the report.
•Developer permitting and funding delays tied to construction bond.
•Grant terms (effective date, reimbursement method, match requirement, deadline).
•Integration of funds into the board’s 2027 visioning process.
•Maintenance guarantee one‑year warranty and expected city approval.
•Outstanding receivables for Debut Development and Mancini.
•Presentation of the US 17 corridor study findings and recommendations.
•Questions from board about safety and coordination across municipalities.
•Target tenants and alignment with corridor study recommendations.
•Terms and non–auto‑renewal rationale for the land lease extension.
•Terms of the purchase‑and‑sell agreement (price, deposits, investigation and approval windows).
•Three concept renderings for Mancini property and funding options.

Decisions

•Board approved lease extension, maintenance guarantee (subject to city review), signatory changes, and September financials.
•Board approved the agreement and authorized signature.
•Board approved the amendment.
•Board approved the resolution and authorized signatures.
•Board supported continued marketing and moving forward with appropriation planning.
•No formal adoption of land‑use policy; study accepted as guidance and staff to pursue implementation steps.

Directions

•Continue marketing, coordinate equipment removal with bank and legal counsel, pursue rural infrastructure grant and state appropriation for infrastructure.
•County manager to advance legislative priorities for corridor infrastructure and stormwater
•Incorporate study recommendations into 2027 board visioning process.
•Proceed with contract execution and tenant recruitment once conditions are met.
•Staff to coordinate with city and banks, implement bank signatory change, and pursue collections as appropriate.
•Staff to identify priority projects and begin reimbursement process when expenditures occur.
•Staff to track city action and advise on closing timing.

Oct

Value Adjustment Board

Hardee County Value Adjustment Board convened Oct. 8 to ratify its attorney, approve a modest pay increase and a $50 petition filing fee, authorize the chair to sign documents, certify the tax roll extension, review procedures and deny two late-filed petitions.

Discussion Points

•Board discussed distribution of funding (school board/county split) and fuel costs for counsel travel.
•Board discussed statutory basis for extending the tax roll prior to VAB hearings.
•Board discussed statutory change giving county commission appointment authority for the chair.
•Counsel requested a 3% increase citing unchanged rate for 3 years and higher rates elsewhere.
•Counsel said one petition was filed Sept. 4 when the deadline was July 31; the other was mistakenly emailed to the wrong person.
•Counsel summarized legal "good cause" standard for late filings and reviewed petition evidence.
•Members confirmed authorization will not interfere with hearings and is administrative in nature.
•Members noted the County Commission previously approved the extension on Sept. 3, 2026.

Decisions

•Authorize chair to sign necessary documents on behalf of the board.
•Board denied the two late-filed petitions for failure to demonstrate statutory good cause.
•Initial certification approved; extension acknowledged.
•Ratify attorney for 2026 and approve a 3% pay increase; adopt Resolution 2026-01 setting filing fee at $50 per parcel.

Directions

•Clerk/Finance to update compensation records and apply fee resolution to filing processes.
•Clerk to record denials and notify petitioners; parties may pursue circuit court remedies.
•Clerk to update records following any future commission appointment.
•Property appraiser and clerk to complete final certification after hearings.

Oct

City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - PDF Minutes for City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - 10/05/2026 - 5:00pm

City of Wauchula commission and CRA workshop covered code enforcement statistics, a developer's bond for the Gardens at Midtown townhomes, zoning text amendments required by state statute changes, train depot flooring concerns, a bid protest for an elevated water tower ITB, an engineering award recommendation for an airport deep well, quarterly crime and strategic-plan updates, and CRA funding/grant items.

Discussion Points

•Annual summary of cases opened and closed in fiscal year 2025-2026.
•Bid protest alleges reliance on information not included in ITB 26-04.
•City completing year four of five of the plan.
•Contractor confirmed final sealant not applied and offered to fix work.
•CRA to administer applications and return recommended awards for approval.
•EAR-based text amendments required due to changes in State statutes.
•Floor was ground and micro overlay applied; stain pulling underneath.
•Map updates needed to include annexed Hardee County BOCC property for a new sheriff\u0002s office complex.
•No fee or contract term provided in workshop; formal award to be placed on a future agenda if directed.
•Parking: public parking to be available; two private spaces per townhome.
•Photo with three finish/repair options to be presented Oct. 12, 2026.
•Presentation of annual funding agreement for Main Street Wauchula.
•Quarterly crime data and trends presented by Police Chief Ron Curtis.
•Quarterly strategic plan dashboard presentation.
•Request to open Commercial Revitalization Grant Program cycle from Oct. 13-Nov. 1, 2026.
•Staff recommended awarding RFQ 26-02 to DCCM for airport deep water well engineering services.
•Staff recommended rejecting bids and reissuing ITB; proposed amendment to bid protest committee language.
•Submission of maintenance agreement and performance bond by developer.
•Timing: DCCM engineer estimated award recommendation could be ready by January 2027 if reissued.
•Timing: first four townhomes to begin after bond approval and property closing; completion anticipated within a year.

Oct

City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - PDF Agenda Packet for City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - 10/05/2026 - 5:00pm

The City Commission and CRA Board met October 5, 2026, for a workshop reviewing a subdivision improvement agreement for the Gardens at Midtown, multi-element Comprehensive Plan text amendments (Ordinance 2026-13), a written decision denying a bid protest on the Southwest Area Elevated Water Tower procurement, police year‑to‑date crime and traffic statistics, a strategic‑plan progress update, and two CRA funding programs.

Discussion Points

•Agreement required insurance and indemnities; monthly reporting to CRA director.
•Agreement requires performance bond equal to 110% of cost estimate and a 10% maintenance bond after completion.
•Amendments remove references to repealed Rule 9J‑5, remove greenhouse‑gas mandates no longer required by statute, and add policies required by recent bills and statutes.
•CRA proposed $35,000 cash grant plus in‑kind CRA Director assignment to support Main Street operations and downtown grants.
•DB Civil filed a protest of the tentative award on Sept. 17, 2026, which the Protest Committee heard on Sept. 30.
•Detailed completion percentages were given for sub‑tasks under each goal area.
•Draft agreement would allow recording of plat on compliance and provision of financial guarantee.
•If improvements are not completed, City may draw on guarantees, withhold permits, or record liens.
•Part I crimes count (47 through Sept. 16, 2026) and the caveat that prior years’ comparisons were estimated because of CAD/RMS transitions.
•Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval with changes on Sept. 21, 2026.
•Program opened Oct. 13–Nov. 1, 2026; applicants must be owners or owner agents and properties must lie within the CRA district.
•School‑zone camera counts: 504 violations in 2025–26 with statutory penalty distribution outlined.
•Scoring bands determine award caps; awards limited to 50% of eligible costs and one award per property in five years; funded elements must remain in place five years or a lien may be recorded.
•Staff recommended continued quarterly updates and highlighted items for budget prioritization.
•The Committee denied the protest and issued a written decision; the Commission was to decide next steps.
•Traffic enforcement numbers (3,238 stops; 2,515 warnings; 723 citations) and 145 crashes in FY 2025‑26.

Decisions

•Protest denied by Protest Committee (written decision)
•Transmit Ordinance 2026‑13 to the state land planning agency (transmittal hearing scheduled Oct. 12, 2026)

Oct

City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - PDF Agenda for City Commission and CRA Board Workshop - 10/05/2026 - 5:00pm

The City Commission and CRA Board of the City of Wauchula was scheduled to hold a workshop Oct. 5, 2026, at Historic City Hall to consider items including code enforcement updates, a bond and maintenance agreement for the Gardens at Midtown, text amendments to the land-development code, and several infrastructure and funding recommendations.

Discussion Points

•Agenda items listed for consideration include code enforcement, bond and maintenance agreements, ordinance text amendments, infrastructure procurement matters, and grant/funding programs.

Oct

Planning and Zoning Board

The Hardee County Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval of a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for an 81-acre Bostock Road residential project (111 lots), voted to send a letter to the Board of County Commissioners asking for follow-up on road, stormwater and habitat issues, removed ~1,499 acres from the countys phosphate mining overlay at Mosaics request, and approved a front-setback variance. Public commenters urged caution on flooding, narrow roads, wildlife and preservation of an old oak tree.

Discussion Points

•2024 boundary survey showed right-of-way extends into the parcel creating hardship.
•Board asked about parcel boundaries and ownership near Peace River; Mosaic clarified ownership limits.
•Board directed staff to include these concerns in a letter to the BOCC.
•Board directed staff to prepare letter specifying roadway, stormwater, canal maintenance and wildlife/tree protection concerns.
•Board to forward recommendation to BOCC for final action; technical items to be vetted by county engineer and utilities at site-plan stage.
•Concerns raised about road conditions (Bostick/Hanoosh), drainage/canal maintenance, and wildlife habitat.
•Parcels owned by Mosaic were identified as lacking mineable phosphate reserves and therefore were proposed for removal from the overlay.
•Residents described canal flooding, narrow roads, and habitat concerns.
•Staff found the application met standards of review; developer will provide PUD site plan at later stage.
•Staff recommended minimum reduction to accommodate constructed foundation.

Decisions

•Board recommended approval but requested BOCC review of listed concerns.
•Recommend approval of comprehensive plan amendment to BOCC
•Recommend approval of variance.
•Recommend approval to BOCC.
•Recommend rezoning to BOCC and draft an accompanying letter

Directions

•Direct staff to draft a letter to the BOCC listing roadway, stormwater, canal and preservation concerns to accompany the application.
•Forward recommendation to BOCC for final action.
•Forward staff recommendation and motion to BOCC for first reading and state review.
•Include roadway and canal maintenance, stormwater retention, oak-tree protection, and wildlife survey results in the BOCC package.
•Staff to draft and attach a letter to the BOCC submittal listing roadway conditions, stormwater retention, canal maintenance and oak-tree preservation as items for further evaluation

Oct

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on Oct. 1, 2026, adopting two proclamations (National 4‑H Week and Safe Sleep Awareness Month), approving a consent agenda, adopting an amendment to the comprehensive plan to expand a mining overlay for Mosaic Fertilizer LLC, approving a 99‑foot vacation of North Bailey Road, and receiving staff updates on a line-of-credit negotiation and a solid-waste contract.

Discussion Points

•Application history: first reading in July; Department of Commerce review and approval Aug. 19.
•Clarification that plan amendment identifies reserves; does not authorize mining permits.
•Commissioners expressed support and requested staff assistance.
•Commissioners remembered prior practice allowing easements for large parcels; county attorney warned of unintended consequences.
•Constituent case of 59 acres lacking 200 feet frontage raised by chair.
•Engagement of public‑finance counsel and estimated $15,000 additional legal cost.
•No public objection recorded.
•Presentation emphasized SUID prevention and partners.
•Presentation of petition details: 99‑foot northerly portion; parcel ownership; utility status (Preco).
•Proclamation read; commissioners thanked 4‑H leaders.
•Target to present a resolution by Nov. 5 and finalize solid‑waste contract by first meeting in November.

Decisions

•Board requested staff report; no immediate code change adopted.
•Ordinance adopted on second reading 4–0.
•Proclamation adopted by 4–0 vote.
•Proclamation adopted by vote 4–0
•Resolution adopted 4–0.

Directions

•Staff and county attorney to research code, past practice, and options; report back to board.
•Staff to continue work with Cruz Bank counsel and prepare required documents for board approval.
•Staff to coordinate outreach and return with updates if needed.

Sep

Special Meeting - PDF Agenda Packet for Special Meeting - 09/28/2026 - 5:05pm

The City Commission of the City of Wauchula met September 28, 2026 in a special session to consider final adoption of the 2026–2027 millage rate and budget, several grant supplemental agreements with FDOT, a vacant land purchase for an airport runway extension, and a proposed FDEP demolition grant for the former power-plant generator site.

Discussion Points

•Capital expenditures of approximately $9 million were itemized, with specific project dollar amounts included for many items.
•Contract identifies parcel and legal description, escrow agent, and a balance‑to‑close line item of $7,200.
•FDEP programmed up to $4,000,000 for demolition, decommissioning and waste removal at the former diesel generator site; the grant work plan defines bidding, demolition, hazardous‑materials management, replacement of a damaged concrete cap, and well closures.
•FDOT programmed $63,242 in additional construction funds to address ponding issues on Alabama Street.
•FDOT programmed an additional $166,130 for construction phase 54 to cover inflationary shortfalls.
•Notice and hearing schedule for adoption of the tentative and final budget was documented.
•Packet replaces Exhibit B and increases the project total to $423,130.
•Packet replaces Exhibit B Schedule of Financial Assistance to show the revised construction allocation and total.
•Several projects are listed as grant‑funded or contingent on external funding.
•Staff listed personnel increases, including implementation of a step plan to reach a $15 minimum wage and a 6% health insurance premium increase.
•Staff provided the rolled‑back millage calculation from the Hardee County Property Appraiser (5.8318 mills).
•Standard contract mechanics: due‑diligence, title evidence, cure periods, and closing instructions are included.
•The grant is cost‑reimbursement with detailed reporting, audit and procurement rules and no local match required.

Sep

Special Meeting - PDF Agenda for Special Meeting - 09/28/2026 - 5:05pm

The City of Wauchula City Commission was scheduled to consider adopting the final millage rate and the final budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 along with several grant agreements, a vacant‑land contract for a runway extension and a demolition project, all listed for the commission's approval.

Sep

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

Hardee County commissioners met Sept. 24 and approved emergency repairs and a funding path to replace the Health Department HVAC system, heard presentations from the Development Group and Fair Board, approved several routine appointments and resolutions, and discussed a contested HR investigation without authorizing further outside spending.

Discussion Points

•Ameresco presented three options: Phase 1 (covered by the $1,000,000 appropriation), Phase 2 to finish the building, and a full replacement including chiller upgrades.
•Board authorized legal drafting of a lease amendment, to be returned for execution.
•Board discussed options including censure, training or no further action.
•Commissioners asked about biosecurity, utilities, parking and matching funds; staff confirmed coordination with city engineers and that annex would not conflict with existing water-tower lease.
•Commissioners probed resilience to potential tax law changes (Amendment 3) and asked whether the Development Group could sustain operations with reduced outside funding.
•Commissioners raised concerns about warranty, temporary relocation of clinical services, and annual debt service obligations.
•Commissioners ranked candidates and accepted tabulation in open session.
•Commissioner Wells argued the investigation was a targeted attack and that important witnesses were not interviewed.
•Development Group reported operating budget and grant portfolio totals, capital projects and staffing/partnership strategies.
•Fair Board seeks annex area to build horse barn, 4‑H barn, bathhouse and improved drainage to enable year‑round use and emergency staging.
•Planner reported seven applicants for six positions and explained reappointment process.
•Some commissioners reported the briefing they saw in private contained more detail than the final report released to the board.
•Staff offered to bring the investigator and labor counsel to a public session, estimating additional fees of roughly $8,000.
•Staff recommended authorizing the MOU to start emergency repairs and pursue turnkey financing to limit inflation risk.

Decisions

•Appointed six candidates; motion passed 5–0.
•Authorize drafting and execution authority; no immediate construction approvals were granted.
•Authorize MOU and emergency repairs; pursue turnkey Ameresco option (approved 5–0).
•No further spending authorized; rebuttal added to record.
•Presentation only; no vote taken.

Directions

•County Attorney to draft amendment; Parks/Facilities to coordinate utilities and site plan.
•County Manager authorized to execute MOU and pursue turnkey contract with Ameresco; staff to finalize spending plan and financing details.
•County Manager to handle administrative record consolidation and consider policy/training recommendations.
•Do not authorize additional approximately $8,000 for investigator/labor counsel presentation; add rebuttal and supplemental letter to investigative record as appendices.
•No formal county action; staff and Development Group to continue coordinating on funding and to return information as needed.
•Staff to notify appointees and confirm start dates/terms.
•Staff to provide an estimate of utility savings and capital-reserve implications.

Sep

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

Hardee County commissioners held a final budget hearing on Sept. 22, 2026, adopted a 7.92-mill rate and a $263,736,662 final budget after presentations and public comments that included firefighters' staffing concerns and a resident complaint about tall roadside grass.

Discussion Points

•Board asked for a debt breakdown and discussed which components were line of credit, solid waste loan and other items.
•Commissioners acknowledged the concern but did not record an immediate directive.
•County response: staff met with labor counsel, will publicly notice bargaining sessions, and believe a path forward exists within the proposed budget but cannot implement changes before public negotiations.
•Debt breakdown: line of credit (~$15M), solid-waste loan (~$700K), ambulance/fire debt.
•Facility needs: estimated $4M for health department repairs with $100K appropriated.
•Landfill sale: commissioners said planning should start now; estimate ~$10M startup costs.
•Resident reported tall grass blocking sightlines at stop signs and asked for more consistent mowing.
•Staff described revenue sources, cost categories and a specific reallocation of mining severance tax to Hardy Lakes.
•Staff presented budget totals, revenue sources and cost categories; commissioners raised concerns about rising operating costs, health department building repair needs and landfill sale preparations.
•Union: staffing shortfall (~10 positions), heavy overtime and recent resignations; requests to bargain wage/step changes.

Decisions

•Adopt final millage rate (Resolution 2026-65) and adopt final operating and capital outlay budget (Resolution 2026-66).

Directions

•Advertise millage rate at 7.9200 mills; staff to file required documents for tax roll and budget adoption.
•Consider future budget options to address these multi-year needs.
•County manager to contact the union and schedule publicly noticed bargaining sessions.
•Staff to further detail debt composition and identify funding strategies for the health department and landfill sale.
•Staff to provide requested breakdowns and continue to prepare budget advertising materials.

Sep

City Commission and CRA Board Meeting - PDF Agenda for City Commission and CRA Board Meeting - 09/14/2026 - 6:00pm

The City Commission and CRA Board of the City of Wauchula was scheduled to meet on September 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Historic City Hall; the agenda listed multiple ordinances, budget items, pension business, infrastructure projects and CRA matters for consideration.

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