Bartow City Commission to Vote on 2026-2027 Millage Rate, Review Development and Present Awards July 20

Bartow City Commission to Address Development, Awards, and Financial Planning

The Bartow City Commission will convene on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. EST, at the City Commission Chambers located at City Hall, 450 N. Wilson Ave. The meeting agenda includes key discussions on local development, community initiatives, and critical financial planning for the city.

Residents can expect to see several local leaders and community figures present updates and receive recognition. Pastor Jesse Maxwell from Bible Baptist Church of Bartow will deliver the invocation to open the meeting. Commissioner Leo E. Longworth will receive the 2026 John Land Years of Service Award, presented by Eryn Alcorn, Member Services Administrator for the Florida League of Cities, Inc.

Economic development will feature prominently in the discussions. Beneshea Frazier, Economic Development Director for the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, will present on the South Polk Pathways to Prosperity initiative. Elle Withall, President of the Bartow Economic Development Council (BEDC), will also provide an update from her organization. Kyle Lasek, PRCA Asst. Director, will present the July 2026 Beautification Awards, recognizing efforts to enhance the city's appearance. Cheryl Basak, CRA Business & Community Engagement Coordinator, will update the Commission on the Paint Your Heart Out Bartow Community Project, a local initiative focused on community improvement. Jason Hargrove, PRCA Director, will deliver a general PRCA Update covering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts activities.

A significant financial decision awaits the Commission as they consider setting the FY 2026-2027 Millage Rate. This decision directly impacts property taxes and the city's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Commission will also approve the minutes from their July 6, 2026, Regular Meeting.

The meeting offers multiple opportunities for public participation. Residents can provide comments on matters not listed on the agenda during the General Public Comment section. Later, during the Public Comment on Agenda Items section, residents can voice their opinions on specific items appearing on the meeting's agenda.

The City Commission Regular Meeting will take place on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. (EST) at the City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 450 N. Wilson Ave., Bartow, FL 33830.