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Gulf County Leaders Vote Down Gas Tax
06/22/09 - 08:16 PM
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Gulf County leaders are pinching pennies just as much as their residents when it comes to balancing a budget.  But, with a long-term bond payment facing some unexpected hikes, they’re at a loss for coming up with the money.  Raising the gas and fuel tax was one proposed answer.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Gulf County resident Nancy Castillo, “We can’t afford gas already, it’s getting to be too much.”

Leaders considered funding the unexpected $200 thousand bond payment increase with an extra 5-cent tax on gas.  Drivers pay 6 cents in Gulf County already.

“If they put it good use it might be alright,” said Margaret McAruthur of Bay County, “but everybody’s hurting.”

“If you impose this, I will go to Bay County and buy gas,” said Gulf County resident Barbara Ratcliff at the commission meeting, “We just can’t keep paying.”

It was comments like those that kept 2 commissioners from approving the tax that needed a supermajority to pass. 

“I think there’s going to be a negative effect we’re going to drive more and more people to Bay county where it’ll be cheaper in the process,” said commissioner Bill Williams.

“I don’t like it,” said fellow commissioner Billy Traylor, “I don’t think there’s a person up here that likes it but to put all the burden on the ad valorem taxpayer is not fair also.”

While drivers may be temporarily relieved, Gulf County leaders are going back to the drawing board, which may bring property owners to the next proposal.

“I don’t know of any other alternatives,” said commissioner Warren Yeager, “other than to go right back to the ad valorem taxpayer.”

The commission would have had to pas the tax by July 1st for it to take effect next year.