The Citrus Tea News

The Winter Haven City Commission debates whether to use reserve funds to roll back the property tax millage rate or keep the proposed 6.5900 mills to protect services, ultimately rejecting a deeper rollback and approving the new rate on a 4–1 vote.

The Mulberry City Commission debates remapping the city for both three- and four-district scenarios ahead of a 2027 referendum that could add at-large seats. Commissioners voice concerns about public confusion, future leadership, and how to keep representation accountable before approving the changes in a close vote.

The Bartow City Commission reviews a new, relationship-focused strategy for cleaner, safer neighborhoods and considers ordinances to speed nuisance abatements, expand parking enforcement, and address commercial vehicles in residential areas. Commissioners and staff also discuss problem properties, from overgrown corporate parcels to a recurring retention pond issue by a local store, and how specialty officers will work across zones.

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners debates how Florida’s property tax reform and a proposed move from property taxes to a 1% sales surtax could reshape county and city budgets, services, and long-term finances. Commissioners weigh trade-offs between tax relief, protecting homes, and funding parks, libraries, roads, health care, and other daily services while navigating state legislative hurdles and voter approval.