Board clarifies Stewart House budgeting: final costs will follow plans and bids
September 02, 2026 | City of Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Board members discussed the Stewart House project while reviewing the CRA budget, emphasizing that the budgeted amount is an estimate and not a contract commitment.
The executive director said the city would develop architectural and engineering plans and then have Colliers prepare construction estimates before deciding whether to proceed. "We're not gonna just go write a check for 500000 dollars on the Stewart House," the executive director said, adding that staff will return to the board with detailed cost estimates after plans and bids are completed.
A board member noted that the CRA previously included $300,000 in last year's budget for the project and that those funds were not spent. The discussion framed the Stewart House line item as contingent on completing design and bidding steps rather than an immediate spending authorization.
The executive director said the city would develop architectural and engineering plans and then have Colliers prepare construction estimates before deciding whether to proceed. "We're not gonna just go write a check for 500000 dollars on the Stewart House," the executive director said, adding that staff will return to the board with detailed cost estimates after plans and bids are completed.
A board member noted that the CRA previously included $300,000 in last year's budget for the project and that those funds were not spent. The discussion framed the Stewart House line item as contingent on completing design and bidding steps rather than an immediate spending authorization.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
