Hillcrest Heights

Located on the eastern shores of Crooked Lake, Hillcrest Heights is an entirely residential community between Lake Wales and Frostproof.

It is one of the smallest towns in Florida with a land area of only 107 acres and at 31 cents for every $1,000 in assessed taxable property, Hillcrest Heights has the lowest property tax rate in the county. That rate generates around $100,000 for the city annually, most of which is spent on road maintenance.

Town commissioners have redesigned Town Hall, expanding the commission chambers to encourage more participation from residents. Information about the town is listed on its website -- www.townofhillcrestheights.com.

Town Clerk Larry Blackwelder manages the community's day-to-day operations.

For questions or complaints or to arrange for services, such as special trash pickups, call Town Hall.

Incorporated: 1923

Size: 107 acres

Population: 252

Website: www.townofhillcrestheights.com

Government: Town Commission with five commissioners who serve two-year terms, with all five up for election at the same time in odd years. The next election will be in April, 2013. The mayor and vice mayor are picked by the commission. The mayor and vice mayor are paid $50 a month, and other commissioners are paid $40. The commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

Town Commission: Mayor Sam Knight, 863-638-1231; and Commissioners Ray French, 863-638-2684; Trudy Marvel, 863-638-1305; Albert Welch, 863-638-0022; and Mike Bishop, 863-638-1577.

Budget: $75,985

Property Tax Rate: 31 cents for each $1,000 of taxable property.

Town Clerk: Larry Blackwelder, 863-638-2732

Town Hall: 151 N. Scenic Highway. 863-639-2732, www.townofhillcrestheights.com

Law Enforcement: Polk County Sheriff's Office, 863-298-6200

Fire Department: Caloosa Lake Fire Department, 863-679-4200

Electricity: Progress Energy, 800-700-8744

Water service: Polk County Utilities. 863-298-4100. After-hours emergencies, 863-534-7351.

Garbage service: Advanced Disposal, 863-967-5801

Public schools: Lake Wales High School, Frostproof Middle/Senior High School, McLaughlin Middle School, Edward W. Bok Middle School in Lake Wales, and Dale Fair Babson Park Elementary School.