Lake County commission approves 5¢ local option fuel tax after hours of debate

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance authorizing a 5¢ local option fuel tax to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, after an extended public hearing and hours of debate on Sept. 23.

Proponents, including county public works staff and business groups, said the additional revenue is needed to address a growing backlog of local roads in poor condition. Jordan Salinger, Lake County public works operations director, told the board the tax would boost the county’s resurfacing budget from recent levels to about $12 million a year and that "the 5¢ tax applies to everyone traveling through Lake County that stops for gas." He said the county currently faces roughly $90 million in unmet resurfacing needs and that about 80% of the critical backlog is neighborhood streets.

Supporters said the tax is a more equitable way to pay for road maintenance because it spreads some of the cost to visitors and through-traffic, and would free up other capital funds for capacity projects. Several local chambers of commerce and business coalitions urged the board to approve the tax without a referendum, arguing a board vote would deliver revenue more quickly. David Miles, a Howey-in-the-Hills council member, told commissioners the tax would provide a “stable, recurring source of funding” and urged swift board action.

Opponents — including some residents and speakers representing civic groups — urged the board to send the question to a public referendum, to delay to allow wider public review, or to adopt a smaller increase. Critics questioned whether the tax would be borne primarily by local residents, and several speakers and commissioners raised concerns about electric and diesel vehicles that do not pay the gasoline-only levy.

During the hearing several commissioners debated the trade-offs between using property and general-fund dollars versus enacting a consumption-based fee. Commissioner Parks described the proposal as "a user fee," and said it would shift part of the cost of maintenance to road users who travel through the county. Commissioner Sabatini said he opposed new taxes and preferred putting the measure to a public vote. Commissioners who supported the ordinance argued the county’s road conditions are worsening and that waiting would increase future costs.

The ordinance as adopted authorizes county staff to notify the Department of Revenue and implement the 5¢ local option fuel tax effective Jan. 1, 2026. The board also directed staff to work with municipal partners on distribution of proceeds as required by state law.

The board’s action followed more than two hours of public testimony and an extended presentation by public works staff. Commissioners did not request any immediate changes to the ordinance language during the meeting.

What’s next: County staff will complete the Department of Revenue notification and begin preparing implementation tasks required before the Jan. 1 effective date. The measure was approved by the board during today’s meeting.