Votes at a glance: Panama City Commission meeting, Jan. 14, 2025

The Panama City Commission took a series of formal actions at its Jan. 14, 2025 meeting. Key votes and outcomes are listed below with brief explanatory notes.

- Ordinance 3254.1 — Voluntary annexation of approximately 0.895 acres at 2626 West 23rd Street. Vote: 5–0, Approved. - Ordinance 3254.2 — Amend comprehensive plan future land use map to designate the 2626 West 23rd Street parcel as General Commercial. Vote: 5–0, Approved. - Ordinance 3254.3 — Amend city zoning map to designate the 2626 West 23rd Street parcel as General Commercial‑2 (GC2). Vote: 5–0, Approved. - Ordinance 3255 — Vacate and abandon a portion of an alleyway right‑of‑way south of East Second Place and east of East Beach Drive; accept a utility easement. Vote: 5–0, Approved. - Addendum 2 to Saint Andrew Bay Land Company (Sweetbay) developers agreement — Approved with modification (prioritize Frankfort Avenue funding first). Vote: 5–0, Approved (see separate coverage). - Saint Andrew Bayview Development Agreement (proposed) — Motion to deny approved 5–0; the proposed development agreement was denied by the commission following public testimony and deliberation. - Ordinance 3256 (Transportation Impact Fee) — First public hearing held; no final vote (first of two readings). Staff will circulate full fee tables and hold outreach before second reading. - Ordinance 3258 (Panama City Police Department pension COLA increase from 2% to 3% for future retirees) — First reading held; no final adoption (staff estimated first‑year cost $135,452 per year). - Ordinance 3259 (Tax Increment Rebate / TIF program for CRA) — First reading held; no final adoption. - Contract: 2 Hired Guns Consulting — Commission approved revised scope language (phase 2) with direction to add performance measures and clarified scope (focus on the Performing Arts & Events Center fundraising); vote: 4–1 (Mayor Rowan opposed). Staff will return with measure language. - Budget & capital amendments approved (each vote 5–0): • Resolution 2025‑0114.1 — use vehicle insurance proceeds ($4,442) to repair Engine/Ladder 2. • Resolution 2025‑0114.2 — use auction proceeds ($40,593) from sale of Tower 1 for fire capital purchases. • Resolution 2025‑0114.3 — purchase replacement CNG automated garbage truck (net cost after insurance) and amend budget ($487,710 total cost; insurance portion $386,158; balance from enterprise fund capital savings). • Resolution 2025‑0114.4 — use infrastructure surtax funds to pay the city’s $2,000,000 locally‑funded share under the FDOT locally funded agreement for the Highway 231/Star Avenue/Titus Road realignment project.

Additional items approved by the commission included procedural and staff recommendations noted in consent agenda votes. Several items were held for separate discussion at the meeting.