SUBJECT
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Appoint Gary L. Phillips to the Tohopekaliga Water Authority (TWA) Board of Supervisors for the remainder of a vacated term and a new 3-year term ending September 30, 2028.
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DESCRIPTION
State Legislature passed, and the Governor signed a bill allowing Polk County to appoint a voting member to the Tohopekaliga Water Authority (TWA or Toho) Board of Supervisors. The selected member must be: 1) a registered voter; 2) a rate payer in the TWA system; and 3) a resident of Polk County. The TWA Board of Supervisors sets policy and provides oversight of the TWA water and wastewater services in Osceola County and the Poinciana Water System. The Board meets at least twice per month in Kissimmee.
Le Rue "Skip" Stellfox, the current Polk County appointee, passed away in May 2025. Mr. Stellfox served as the Polk County TWA appointee from December 2012 through June 2018 and from October 2024 until his resignation in April 2025, his term expires September 30, 2025.
On May 23, 2025, Polk County issued a press release seeking applicants who met the criteria. Polk County received 1 submission from an interested individual, Mr. Gary L. Phillips. Staff have reviewed Mr. Phillip's application and confirmed he does meet the required criteria. Staff recommends Mr. Phillips as the next appointee to serve on the TWA Board of Supervisors.
TWA has asked the County Commission several specific recommendations regarding this appointment. TWA has asked the County Commission to appoint the new representative for the following terms:
* The remainder of the term vacated by Mr. Stellfox ending September 30, 2025.
* A new 3-year term beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2028.
This request will assist TWA in aligning the terms of the full Board of Supervisors.
If Mr. Phillips is appointed by the commission, he would be eligible to serve 2 additional 3-year terms.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend appointment of Gary L. Phillips to the Toho Board of Supervisors for th...
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