SUBJECT
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Confirm Appointment of Mr. James (Jim) Tully, P.E., P.G., to serve as the Director of Polk County Utilities Division.
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DESCRIPTION
The Polk County Charter specifies the county manager’s appointment of executive service employees is subject to confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners.
The County Manager has appointed Mr. James Tully to the position of Director of the Polk County Utilities Division, effective November 9, 2026.
Mr. Tully has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, geology, capital project management, community development, and public utility operations. He currently serves as Capital Improvement Program Manager / Deputy Director for Engineering & Technology with Polk County Utilities, a position he has held since September 2024. He previously served as Capital Projects Manager with Polk County Utilities from January 2018 through September 2024.
Before joining Polk County Utilities Division, Mr. Tully served as a Project Manager with Jones Edmunds & Associates in Winter Haven and as a Geologist and Engineer in the firm's Gainesville office. He also served as a Community Development Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Batak, Bulgaria.
Mr. Tully holds a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering Sciences from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geosciences from the University of Notre Dame. He is licensed in Florida as both a Professional Engineer and a Professional Geologist.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend the Board confirm the County Manager’s appointment of Mr. James (Jim) Tully, P.E., P.G., to serve as the Director of Polk County Utilities Division.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Utilities Director is an authorized position in the adopted budget, and the existing appropriations are sufficient to cover the negotiated annual base salary of $168,730.85 and employment benefits at approximately $45,469.00.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mr. Bill Beasley
County Manager
863-534-6444
billbeasley@polkfl.gov