Water-Related News

Haines City votes 3-0 for 20-acre land purchase

The City Commission in Haines City approved a 20-acre land purchase during Thursday’s meeting.

The commission voted 3-0 to approve the $300,000 purchase of land adjacent to the wastewater plant. BCR Environmental, which manages a composting facility at what used to be East Park, will pay $60,000 of the cost. BCR will use 10 acres to expand its use for compost and the city will use the other half to construct rapid infiltration, which stores treated wastewater.

In addition to the $60,000 from BCR, the company will pay the city $1,000 per month over the next 20 years as part of the lease agreement. That would essentially offset the entire cost for the city.

“The city in essence, is going to be net neutral,” said City Manager Jonathan Evans. “On top of that, we’re going to get to use 10 acres.”

Resident Billy Young alleged that doing business with BCR was a conflict of interest because of Commissioner Don Mason’s affiliation with the company.