Gulf County rescinds ordinance extending local option gas tax

The Gulf County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance rescinding Ordinance 2025‑04, a previously adopted action that would have extended the county’s local option gas tax sunset date into 2054.

County counsel and staff summarized background: an extension had been adopted as part of planning for road funding, and recent discussions with the City of Wewahitchka resulted in a path that requires this rescission as the next legislative step. Staff noted the current ordinance sunsets on Aug. 31, 2039, and rescinding the 2025 extension preserves the county’s ability to re‑advertise or adopt different financing at a later date.

Mr. Novak (county legal counsel) described the rescission ordinance as “the final legislation that you all pass to accomplish what we need moving forward,” and asked the board to open the public hearing. The board heard no public opposition, a motion to adopt the rescission ordinance was made and seconded, and the board voted 5–0 to adopt the rescission.

The county will file the rescission with the Department of Revenue and proceed with the interlocal and funding steps discussed with municipal partners.

What happens next: staff will file the adopted rescission ordinance with state authorities and continue coordination with the city and bond counsel on the county’s planned road funding strategy.