Commissioners also approved the proposed 5.7-mill tax rate, filled board vacancies and heard public concerns on development, flood zones and Flock cameras.
The end-of-the-month commission meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with all commissioners in attendance. The meeting started with high tension during the public comment section.
A resident of Walden Lake tried to address residential plans but could not continue because it was not a planning meeting. Commissioners cannot discuss the matter until it comes before them after the planning board meeting. The resident expressed frustration that the concerns could not be addressed but was encouraged to speak at the next Planning Board meeting in August.
Another resident shared concerns about Flock cameras and the ability of officials to monitor people entering and leaving Plant City.
The final public comment focused on changing flood zones near Cherry Street. The resident said her home was not located in a flood zone when she purchased it but now is. At the end of each public comment, audience members applauded.
Next were the consent agenda items: 26-324- Resolution No.154-2026 approving the minutes of the regular meeting held July 13, 2026, 26-330- Resolution No. 155-2026 approving an extension of time to be heard by the City Commission for PC/CPA 25-01, 26-337- Resolution No. 156-2026 approving the assignment of utility billing services from ENCO Utility Services Florida, LLC, to Cerida Investment Corporation d/b/a AnswerNet Inc. and 26-341- Resolution No. 157-2026 approving an amendment to the budget for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026.
These items were unanimously approved.
The first resolution on the city manager’s report was 26-295- Resolution No.158-2026 authorizing the city manager to advise the property appraiser of the city’s proposed millage rate, rolled-back rate, and the date, time and place of the public hearing to consider the proposed millage and tentative budget.
Jennifer Forsberg, director of finance, said city property values increased by 9.3% while Community Redevelopment Agency property values increased by 6%. She said the millage rate remains at 5.7 mills, with $1 million dedicated to street improvements, resurfacing and maintenance.
Property tax growth generated $2,282,936, largely due to new construction.
“We might be higher than other jurisdictions, but that $1 million goes to streets and sidewalks, and last year we resurfaced 85% of our roads,” Mayor Nate Kilton said.
The resolution was approved 5-0.
Next was 26-322- Resolution No. 159-2026 authorizing the city manager to purchase a Modular Multi-Use 4×4 Emergency Response Vehicle under the Florida Sheriffs Association Cooperative Purchasing Contract FSA25-VEF9.0.
Fire Chief David Dittman said the vehicle will enhance emergency preparedness and help save lives and property.
“Approximately 49% of Plant City consists of undeveloped land where vegetation presents an ongoing brush and grass fire hazard, and this will enhance our ability to respond to those calls,” Dittman said.
He said the vehicle assisted other departments during the 2024 hurricane season and helped rescue more than 100 flood victims.
The vehicle can be used year-round for brush fires and then converted into a platform with a lifted suspension capable of operating in up to 30 inches of standing water. This will allow emergency crews to reach flood victims and evacuate them safely.
The vehicle costs $250,386 and is expected to take eight to 12 months to arrive. Its anticipated service life is 15 to 20 years.
“The BearCat is another specialty vehicle in the police department that responds to high-risk tactical situations,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said.
Officials said the new multi-use vehicle will not replace or duplicate the BearCat because it is not designed for tactical situations. Instead, it will enhance emergency response throughout Plant City.
“The BearCat helped pick up and transport a pregnant woman in labor during the hurricanes three years ago,” McDaniel said. “A couple of hours later another medical emergency took place where an elderly female had fallen and suffered a head injury, and there was no other way to get to her than the BearCat.”
With the addition of the new vehicle, Plant City will now have two specialty vehicles capable of responding during severe weather emergencies.
The resolution passed 4-0 after Kilton abstained from voting.
Next was the city clerk’s agenda.
Item 26-321- Resolution No. 161-2026 appointing a member to the Board of Adjustment, was approved 5-0.
Next was 26-323- Consideration of Resolutions No. 162-2026 and No. 163-2026 appointing members to the Code Enforcement Board by appointing current First Alternate Maurice Wilson to fill the unexpired term of David Hrenchir and appointing members to fill the remaining first and second alternate positions.
The motion to move Wilson from his current position to Hrenchir’s seat was approved 5-0.
The motion to appoint Christopher Fletcher and Alma Martinez to the first and second alternate positions was approved 5-0.
Next was the legislative public hearing.
Item 26-328- A legislative public hearing on Ordinance No. 12-2026 to annex two parcels totaling approximately 2.19 acres (ANX-2025-07), was approved 4-0 after Commissioner John Haney abstained.
The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m., but everyone remained for the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting.
