Polk County Utilities Director Jim Tully Confirmed by Commissioners to Succeed Tamara Richardson
BARTOW, Fla. – Polk County commissioners voted Tuesday unanimously to confirm Jim Tully as the next director of the Polk County Utilities Division, putting a licensed professional engineer and geologist in charge of 301 employees and a budget the county puts at almost $5.4 million. The county water and wastewater systems serve nearly 68,000 accounts in unincorporated communities across the county.
Tully begins in the role Monday, Nov. 9.
County Manager Bill Beasley announced the appointment, and the board confirmed it unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting in Bartow.
“I appreciate the confidence commissioners and county leaders have placed in me, and I’m honored to take on this responsibility,” Tully said. “We have an exceptional group of employees at the Polk County Utilities Division, and I’m excited to work alongside them as we invest in our infrastructure and serve the residents of Polk County…Tamara will be a very tough act to follow.” he said.
He succeeds Tamara Richardson, who is retiring after nine years running the division. Richardson has led Polk County Utilities since December 2017 and serves as chair of the Florida Governmental Utility Authority board.
Beasley noted the turnout from the Utilities Division in the back of the chamber.
Two Decades in Engineering and Public Utilities
Tully brings more than 20 years of experience in engineering, geology, capital project management, community development, and public utility operations. He joined Polk County in 2018 as capital projects manager and currently serves as deputy director of engineering and technology for the division. He is a Florida-licensed professional engineer and a professional geologist.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental geosciences from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in environmental engineering sciences from the University of Florida. In his current role, he has briefed commissioners on the division’s capital work, including updates on the county’s septage receiving facility and federal lead and copper rule compliance.
A Rate Increase Begins Oct. 1
Tully steps in weeks after the county’s new utility rate structure takes effect. Commissioners approved changes to water and wastewater rates and connection fees at a public hearing in August, following a rate sufficiency study completed earlier this year. The single-family water connection fee rises from $3,038 to $3,989, and the wastewater connection fee rises from $6,169 to $7,460. Monthly rates adjust Oct. 1.
The increases reflect operating costs, debt service, and capital projects the county says are needed to keep pace with growth, including alternative water supply work funded through a per-thousand-gallon surcharge on every customer’s usage. Polk County remains one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties, and the division has been studying direct potable reuse as a long-term supply option.
For residents with questions, customer service and billing questions go to (863) 298-4100 or [email protected]. The division’s office is at 1011 Jim Keene Blvd. in Winter Haven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Polk County Utilities director?
Jim Tully, a Florida-licensed professional engineer and professional geologist who has worked for the county since 2018. He was confirmed as Polk County Utilities director by county commissioners on Sept. 15, 2026.
When does Jim Tully start?
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026.
How much does the Polk County Utilities director make?
Tully will earn $168,730.85 annually, according to the county.
Who is Tamara Richardson and why is she leaving?
Richardson has been Polk County’s Utilities Division director since December 2017 and is retiring after nine years of service in the role. She also chairs the Florida Governmental Utility Authority board.
Are Polk County water rates going up?
Yes. Commissioners approved changes to the utility rate structure at a public hearing in August, aligned with a rate sufficiency study. Adjusted monthly rates take effect Oct. 1, 2026, and single-family water and wastewater connection fees increase to $3,989 and $7,460.
Sources: Polk County Board of County Commissioners regular meeting, Sept. 15, 2026, Bartow; “Jim Tully Appointed to Serve as the Next Polk County Utilities Division Director,” Polk County Government, polkfl.gov, Sept. 15, 2026; Polk County Utilities, polkfl.gov; Polk County Utilities Rates and Fees, polkfl.gov; “Polk County Adopts Changes to Utility Rate Structure,” Polk County Government, polkfl.gov, Aug. 7, 2026; “Polk County Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review April 17, 2026,” Polk County Government, polkfl.gov, April 17, 2026; “Polk County Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review July 6,” Polk County Government, polkfl.gov, July 2026; Meet the Board, Florida Governmental Utility Authority, fgua.com; Polk County Directory, polkfl.gov
