The Villages District Government has rescinded its previous ban on a pond maintenance contractor who fell out of favor after numerous complaints from residents.
Crosscreek Environmental Inc. had been served with the five-year suspension that was to extend through Sept. 30, 2030.
However, the ban has been lifted after legal negotiations between the District Government and Crosscreek. The District Government confirmed this week that the suspension issued on Oct. 1 “has been formally withdrawn.”
When asked specifically if Crosscreek can bid on future work in The Villages the District Government responded with the following statement: “The Villages Community Development Districts encourages all responsible vendors across all industries and capacities to engage in the public solicitations offered annually. Such participation helps guarantee that residents of The Villages benefit from superior services delivered at fair and competitive rates.”
Two years ago, Crosscreek was hailed as the best possible option when officials balked at a huge price increase demanded by its then-contractor, Solitude Lake Management LLC. At the time, District officials said Crosscreek’s references and track record checked out and seemed to be a viable alternative.
But residents’ complaints about the ponds grew louder and the District Government decided to part company with Crosscreek has been booted. Solitude is back, at a substantially higher price.