City of Lake Wales approves purchase of Waverly water and wastewater systems from Polk County

The City of Lake Wales commission on the evening of the meeting approved Resolution 2025-30 authorizing the city to purchase the Waverly Water and Wastewater Systems and related assets from Polk County.

The measure, read during a public hearing, directs the city to approve and authorize execution of a purchase-and-sale agreement and an interlocal utility asset transfer agreement for the Waverly systems and the Crooked Lake Park wastewater system, with closing contingent on completion of required steps in the agreements.

Mayor Hilligoss said the acquisition is the product of sustained work: "I know we've been working on this for a while and this is a very exciting development for our city." Commissioner Thompson (representing the Polk Regional Water Cooperative on the commission) praised city staff and special counsel, calling the effort "an enormous step" and "a master stroke of city planning and city management." The commission noted the Polk County Board of County Commissioners had voted on the matter earlier that morning.

City staff and the special counsel will be authorized to take the steps necessary to finalize the transaction, including preparing and executing the required documents. Commissioners said some final contract negotiations remain and that the parties anticipate a closing in March, subject to those negotiations and standard closing conditions.

The resolution includes findings and determinations stated as required by Section 180.301, Florida Statutes, and authorizes the mayor, city staff and special counsel to proceed with closing steps. No members of the public requested to speak during the hearing on this item.

Vote and attendance: The motion to approve Resolution 2025-30 passed in roll call with four affirmative votes; Commissioner Williams was not present for the vote.

What happens next: City staff will continue final negotiations and prepare closing documents; commissioners indicated they expect the transaction to proceed in the coming months, contingent on the final contract and the interlocal agreement.