DUNDEE, Fla. — The town of Dundee in Polk County has been growing over the years and some officials feel that it’s time to recognize that growth and change its status to a city.
The proposal also comes on the heels of celebrating the town’s centennial. However, there are mixed feelings about the proposal, which will be up to the voters to decide.
What You Need To Know
- Dundee is a community in eastern Polk County, and one of the fastest growing counties in the country
- Town leaders are leaving it up to the voters to decide to change its status to a city
- Officials said the town status won't have any kind of economic impact on residents if the change is made
- ELECTION DAY: Polk voters to decide on amendment, commission seats across county
- Polk County municipal elections guide
The measure is being put to the citizens to decide with a vote set for April 2.
Town Manager Tandra Davis said she was approached by some members of the community with the idea of changing the status to a city.
She said she was intrigued.
Davis also said others have pushed back and want their community to remain a town.
“Dundee is a small family feeling community,” Davis said. “The word city shouldn’t change that, it shouldn’t take the family out of our heart.”
Davis also said that this is only a name change and there is no tangible impact going from town to city. However, there is pushback by some who say the community just isn’t ready to move up from a town.
One critic of the move is former mayor Joe Garrison. He runs several businesses around town and said the infrastructure for major growth needs to be in place first.
“The population doesn’t support it,” Garrison said. “People don’t support it. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”
Others, including council member Mary Richardson, agree with Garrison.
“I think it’s a big deal,” Richardson said. “I don’t think we’re ready for it and I don’t think we have the infrastructure for it.”
Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.