The city had a great year, according to the annual comprehensive financial report.
The February Plant City Commission meeting began promptly at 6:00 p.m. with a prayer led by Reverend Joe Bowles. Mayor Nate Kilton, Vice-Mayor Jason Jones, Commissioners Mike Sparkman, Bill Dodson and Mary Mathis, along with City Manager Bill McDaniel, City Clerk Kerri Miller and City Attorney Kenneth Buchman were all present.
Commissioners first recognized the Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 Queen and Court under agenda item 26-064. Queen Layla Rothman addressed the commission before introducing her court.
“Thank you guys, for having us. We are so honored to be here. We are so excited to represent not only the strawberry festival, but Plant City as a whole,” Rothman said.
She said in her role as queen, she has met a lot of new people and created friendships with the other girls.
Mayor Kilton said being a part of the strawberry court is more than a beauty contest; it’s a leadership contest.
The 2026 Strawberry Festival Queen & Court are Queen Layla Rothman and First Maid Marley Mueller. Court members are Addison Griffin, Addison Pope, and Cadence Cape.
Under agenda item 26-065, commissioners also recognized the 2026 Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty. Junior Royalty Queen Dylan High introduced herself, followed by Princess Ansley Judah, Duchess Georgia Padron, and Baroness Kinsley Sheppard. The Junior Royalty later joined the Queen and Court for a group photo.
During public comments, resident Danielle Kimbrell expressed her concerns about not being heard.
“Listening to us would be helpful for us. The community that lives here, right now,” Kimbrell said.
She mentioned topics like affordable housing, a proposed vision plan, and downtown parking.
26-075 Presentation of annual audit for fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, by Wade Sansbury, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC.
Every year, the city prepares an annual comprehensive financial report. Sansbury said Plant City had a great performance year.
“We had about $39 million improvement,” Sansbury said. “You all ended the year with about 87% funding of your pension plan, again trending positively in the right direction.”
According to the audit, the general fund balance totaled $47.2 million. The average resident contribution was approximately $1,640, while the average city employee salary was $64,000. Salaries and benefits accounted for 57% of the general fund budget.
26-088 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute funding agreements with non-profit organizations budgeted and approved by the City Commission
The resolution passed with a 5-0 vote, but the resolution approves that the City Manager handles funding agreements with the nonprofits and excludes PCEDC.
“The PCEDC is exempt from this agreement process due to the nature of the work that organizations perform. The PCEDC is still subject to quarterly and annual reporting requirements to the City Commission,” McDaniel said.
26-019 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Work Order with Rep Services, Inc. for two Gilchrist Park replacement pavilions.
There are two new playgrounds, both with ADA accessibility. There are new parking spaces and sidewalks throughout the entire park.
The first playground was completed in 2023, and the most recent playground was completed in November.
Julie Garrison is asking for $103,116.38 to replace two pavilion shelters.
“The current ones have outlived their lifespan,” Garrison said.
Vice-Mayor Kilton said this is an easy decision to approve the vote.
“The parks are looking fantastic. Wonderful job. This is easy to give the kids some shade,” Kilton said.
The resolution passed 5-0
Before moving to other resolutions and ordinances, Commissioner Mathis took a moment to recognize Plant City Police Officer Chad Rader.
“The care and professionalism he gave to the family was short of amazing. From me to you, I want to say thank you,” Mathis said.
Last week, Mathis saw police presence at her neighbors. The family lost a member due to a heart attack, and Mathis said the officers handled the situation with grace.
“This wasn’t my call. It was Officer Justin Polk and Officer Bennett. I arrived to help along with others,” Rader said humbly when residents went up to thank him at the end of the meeting.
Commissioners approved Resolution 26-052, setting a legislative public hearing for an amendment to Chapter 22 of the Plant City Code regarding the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund. The hearing is scheduled for February 23 at 6:00 p.m.
The January 12, 2026, meeting minutes were approved unanimously under agenda item 26-081.
The meeting concluded at 6:37 p.m. Commissioner Sparkman reminded residents to remain patient as the Florida Strawberry Festival approaches.
