By James Coulter & Carl Fish
Back on December 16, 2025, the Lake Wales City Commission unanimously approved the purchase of the Waverly water and wastewater systems and the Crooked Lake Park wastewater system from Polk County, a move city leaders described as a major step forward for long-term planning, system reliability, and customer rates.
The decision followed discussion at the City Commission’s December 10 workshop, where commissioners reviewed the proposed transfer and its potential benefits to both the city and existing utility customers.
The approved transaction includes the purchase of the Waverly water and wastewater systems for $5.3 million, as well as the transfer of the Crooked Lake Park wastewater system following county-funded repairs needed to bring the system into compliance with state requirements. The agreement also includes installation of a water main intended to connect the Crooked Lake system into the City of Lake Wales’ existing utility network.
City Manager James Slaton told commissioners that negotiations with Polk County had been ongoing for several years, with the county ultimately proposing the transfer of ownership of the systems to the city. He noted that the Polk County Commission approved the related items earlier on December 16, clearing the way for Lake Wales to take formal action that evening. While the resolution was approved in December, Slaton said the formal closing is expected to take place in March.
During the December 10 workshop, Attorney Tom Cloud of GrayRobinson told commissioners the acquisition “logically serves” Lake Wales by improving system reliability, lowering customer rates, and allowing for faster response times by bringing the utilities under direct city control.
Finance Director Dorothy Abbott also addressed questions regarding existing Waverly and Crooked Lake customers, confirming that those customers are expected to see lower utility rates once the systems are fully integrated. Abbott described the transaction as beneficial to both the city and its new utility customers.
Commissioners echoed those sentiments during the December 16 meeting.
Mayor Jack Hilligoss called the utility acquisition “an exciting development” for the city.
Commissioner Keith Thompson described the transfer as “an enormous step” and “a master stroke” for Lake Wales’ long-term planning and water resource management. He praised city staff for their work in bringing the agreement forward and emphasized how annexation and city jurisdiction allow for more strategic growth decisions.
“My plea to those who are always anti-annexation — you may not like the housing, but it benefits us that we have actual jurisdiction over the property and what goes on there,” Thompson said during the earlier workshop discussion. “Every time we annex a piece of property, we are trying to be strategic in the growth of Lake Wales.”
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson also praised the agreement during the December 16 meeting, describing it as one of the most creative and effective actions undertaken by the city during his tenure. He acknowledged the time and effort required to bring the unified transaction to fruition.
Commissioner Carol Gillespie characterized the acquisition as a “win-win” for Lake Wales and its residents, referencing information reviewed at the workshop and confirming during the December 16 meeting that issues identified in the work session had been resolved prior to the vote.
Following the close of the public hearing, the City Commission voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2025-30, approving the purchase and related interlocal agreements with Polk County and authorizing the mayor, city staff, and special counsel to take all steps necessary to close the transactions. These should all be completed before the end of March 2026.
