Bay County commissioners keep millage rates flat after debate over fire equipment purchases

The Bay County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 3 to hold the county'wide millage rates at current levels for fiscal year 2026 and to adopt the tentative FY26 budget after county staff offered a reduced equipment plan for the county'run fire service.

The decision follows public comment from resident Arthur Arackelion and an extended discussion among commissioners about aging fire trucks, reserve policy targets and alternatives to a one-time large tax increase. Miranda (staff member) told the board the proposed incremental millage increase the county had initially considered for the unincorporated-area fire Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) was 0.123 mills, which she said would raise about $1.6 million for fire services and would increase the average unincorporated Bay County homeowner's bill by roughly $27 a year.

Why this matters: Commissioners said the county faces a multi-year replacement need for dozens of aging fire vehicles, some dating to the 1980s and 1990s, and that failing to act could affect emergency response and insurers'' ISO ratings for homes. At the same time, several commissioners emphasized concern about raising taxes amid rising household costs and urged alternatives such as multi-year purchasing plans, pursuing grants and finding in-house savings.

Key facts and decisions - Millage rates discussed: general fund 5.4362 mills; mosquito control 0.2 mills;…