Haines City Commission Tackles Infrastructure, New Subdivision, and City Clerk Contract at June 18 Meeting
The Haines City Commission has a full plate at its June 18 meeting, with votes expected on a new residential subdivision, gateway signage, water system upgrades, and a contract extension for the city’s top administrative officer.
New Subdivision Coming Near Lake Eva
Commissioners are being asked to approve a preliminary plat for Lake Eva Estates, a proposed 31-lot single-family subdivision on 16.68 acres west of 10th Street South. The project is zoned for low-density residential and comes with an approved traffic study. Polk County Public Schools issued a non-binding school concurrency letter finding adequate capacity at the elementary and middle school level, though Haines City High School is currently over capacity. Ridge Community High School, the adjacent school, has capacity available.
Gateway Signs Moving Forward
The commission is voting on a resolution authorizing the installation of new gateway signage at entry points into the city. The project, which began with AECOM concept renderings in 2023, requires a formal resolution under a Florida Department of Transportation Community Aesthetic Feature Agreement before construction can proceed. No budget impact is associated with this vote.
Water System Work on Multiple Fronts
Three separate utility items are on the agenda. The city is looking to purchase a bypass pump for Lift Station No. 9 for $143,574.51 rather than continue renting one at $103,861 per year, a move staff says will save money while a land acquisition issue delays the full station replacement project. The city is also approving an extra $19,100 in work on its Integrated Water Supply Plan with CHA Consulting to address updated state water use permit requirements. And surveyors from SurvTech Solutions have been hired for $5,345 to map easements needed for a water main extension on Holly Hill Cutoff Road connecting to the Charles Cove development.
City Clerk Contract Extended
The commission is considering a first amendment to City Clerk Sharon Lauther’s employment agreement, extending her term for an additional three years. Lauther was originally appointed in February 2023. The estimated budget impact for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 is $14,795. Commissioner Anne Huffman has been designated as the liaison for the negotiation process.
Juneteenth and Boys and Girls Club Proclamations
The commission will also issue a Juneteenth Freedom Day proclamation for June 19, noting that Haines City was the first municipality in Polk County to designate Juneteenth as a paid city employee holiday, a distinction the city achieved in 2020 under then-Mayor Morris L. West. A separate proclamation recognizes Boys and Girls Club Week for June 23 through 27.
Budget Preview
At a June 9 budget workshop, department heads presented fiscal year 2027 capital requests totaling tens of millions of dollars. The largest single item was a joint Police and Fire request for a $20 million public safety complex, which the commission agreed to pursue. Other major requests included a $5.25 million downtown parking garage, $3.4 million in fire apparatus and vehicle replacements, and a $4.85 million water treatment plant storage tank. The City Clerk’s request for a $40,000 take-home vehicle was struck from the capital budget.
The June 18 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Haines City Hall, 620 E. Main St.
Source: City of Haines City Commission Agenda and Budget Workshop Minutes, June 18, 2026, hainescity.com
