by James Coulter
The City of Lake Wales has stated its intent to reimburse itself with future tax-exempt financing for the expenses to be incurred from the expansion of the city’s cemetery and fire station.
At their regular meeting on Tue. Oct. 21, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve two resolutions declaring the city’s intent to cover project expenses with tax-exempt debt.
The first resolution establishes the intent to reimburse costs tied to the proposed expansion of Lake Wales Memorial Garden (LWMG) Cemetery.
The second resolution covers the acquisition of real property, the expansion of two fire stations, and other capital projects.
According to Sara Irvine, Special Projects Coordinator, these resolutions are “necessary to comply with United States Treasury Regulations for funding infrastructure projects with tax-exempt debt when the City intends to reimburse itself from debt proceeds.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie noted the redundancy in the city declaring its intent to reimburse itself, pointing out that governments are expected to cover their own expenses.
“I think that goes without saying, that’s a no-brainer,” she said. “It’s one of those formalities that has to be observed, so we’re going to observe it.”
Both resolutions passed with a 4-0 roll call vote. Commissioner Daniel Williams was absent.
