SAY YES TO PROGRESS SUPPORT THE HALF-CENT SURTAX

by: Patrick Chapin, President & CEO, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Since its inception in 2016, the voter-approved half-cent infrastructure surtax has been transforming our communities.

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce played a vital role in securing the original surtax's approval by a wide margin. This year, we consulted our members to gauge their support for extending the surtax, and an overwhelming 89% expressed a desire to see the infrastructure surtax continue.

Let’s answer some questions that often arise.

WHAT DOES THE HALF-CENT SURTAX SUPPORT?

Bridge Repair

Many of the bridges across our county are structurally deficient, too narrow or weak to support heavy traffic, or prone to flooding during heavy rainfall. These projects allow for needed repairs to narrow or deteriorating bridges to make them safer and more useful.

Capacity Improvement

In order to reduce traffic congestion and increase traffic flow through the county, many roadways need to be widened or expanded to include connection roads. Additionally, certain areas of the community are subject to water outages and pressure loss due to outdated cast-iron pipes, hindering fire protection and economic development.

Intersection Improvement

Many intersections throughout Bay County are not sufficiently equipped to handle the heavy traffic flow they endure. These projects add additional turning lanes for some of the most trafficked intersections in the county to help traffic flow.

Resurfacing

Projects will include repaving stretches of road that are cracked, have potholes, or are severely rutted. Repairs will also include adding or fixing paved shoulders along heavily trafficked county roads to increase vehicular and bicycle safety. Since 2016, over 100 miles of roads have been resurfaced and five bridges have been built or repaired.

Roadway Safety

Improvements will include adding sidewalks to increase pedestrian safety and encourage non-motorized transportation in heavy pedestrian areas, especially near schools. These additions will also increase pedestrian access to many community amenities.

Stormwater Improvement

Due to Bay County’s proximity to sea level, much of our county is prone to flooding. To help prevent and reduce some of this flooding, the county has identified portions of existing drainage systems that need to be updated to better alleviate flooding— including expanding culverts and replacing old and outdated drainage pipes.

WHY IS THE HALF-CENT SURTAX NECESSARY?

Thanks to the passage of the Half-Cent Surtax, Bay County has made significant headway in efforts to build better roads, reduce traffic congestion, improve bridges and reduce neighborhood flooding, but there is still a long way to go. The renewal of this surtax will ensure that the cost of the improvements is borne by all who use these resources, rather than only property owners.

WHO WILL PAY THE TAX?

Approximately 45% of the revenue will be generated by anyone who buys goods in Bay County. This means that visitors and tourists to the county will also help pay for the roads and bridges that they use.

HOW DO I KNOW MY MONEY WILL BE SPENT WISELY?

A Citizens Oversight Committee, comprised of local business and community leaders, serves as an additional layer of protection to ensure added transparency and accountability to taxpayers.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN RAISED?

In 2024 the estimated amount of tax dollars generated is $30 million.

• $17 million for Bay County

• $13 million for the Municipalities

To date, Bay County alone, not including the municipalities, has completed 64 projects worth approximately $100 million, and 30 projects under construction / design worth $32 million. Moreover, the County has been able to leverage these dollars for an additional $42 million in grant funding.

HAVE OUR CITIES ALSO BENEFITTED?

Yes, all of them. For instance, Lynn Haven received $13.5 million in revenue and has been able to leverage this for an additional $6 million to do roadway resurfacing, stormwater improvements and waterline projects.

Panama City Beach completed construction of the $15.5 million Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway Phase II project. This project was funded with $6.7M surtax funds and $8.8 million in additional funding from state, county, and local funding.

Collectively, our local municipalities have received tens of millions of dollars, completed dozens of projects, and have even more planned for the future.

IS THERE A WAY TO ESTIMATE WHAT THIS MEANS TO OUR OVERALL ECONOMY?

The standard "economic impact multiplier" suggests that every dollar invested in projects like this generates a ripple effect of seven dollars. Beyond enhancing our infrastructure, the surtax revenue significantly boosts the broader economy. For example, industries like engineering, contracting, surveying, manufacturing, and supply companies are creating jobs and expanding their payrolls. In turn, these employees spend their income at local businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and entertainment venues. This increased spending extends to recreation, household needs, education, and personal hobbies, creating an incredible indirect impact!

DO WE SEND ANY OF THE REVENUE TO TALLAHASSEE OR D.C.?

All funds stay in Bay County: Every single penny directly benefits our community.

HOW MUCH REVENUE COULD WE SEE IN A DECADE?

As much as $300 million in revenue, as well as $120 million in additional grant dollars, could be generated in the next ten years for our community. This is critical as more people and businesses move to our area.

WHAT IS THE BAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DOING TO GET THIS APPROVED?

The Bay County Chamber operates a Political Action Committee (PAC) called "Committee for a Better Bay County." This PAC enables us to raise campaign funds to support and promote business-friendly policies and drive economic development in the region.

Our extensive education and awareness campaign includes outreach to dozens of civic groups, homeowners' associations, and professional organizations. With over 1,000-member businesses, we've equipped our members with the tools to inform their customers, clients, and neighbors. Additionally, we are running a comprehensive education campaign that includes public polling, television, social media, billboards, and radio efforts.

You can find more information at www.bayhalfcent.com and www.panamacity.org

We encourage you to VOTE YES ON THE HALF-CENT. Together, we will continue to Build a Better Bay.