Bay County Commissioners Approve Property Abatement Program, FY 2026 Millage Rates, Philip Griffith Parkway Route, and Code Revisions

The Bay County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 15, 2025, was held at the Bay County Government Complex in Panama City, Florida. 

Acknowledged clerk of courts' reports on revenues and expenditures.
Adopted a resolution amending the FY 2024-25 budget.
Approved preliminary rate resolutions for street lighting (Pretty Way, Ashland, Magnolia Hill, Grand Lagoon Shore), Twin Lake vegetation removal, and stormwater assessments, authorizing the chairman to sign.
Approved an interlocal agreement with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for training with Priority Dispatch Corporation.
Adopted a resolution renaming Sugar Sand East to East Sugar Sand Way and Sugar Sand West to West Sugar Sand Way.
Designated an administrative authority for final plat approval.
Confirmed Jason Blanks’ appointment to the Tourist Development Council (TDC) for the collector seat, expiring December 30, 2027.
Ratified amendments to the Florida Department of Management Services’ Public Safety Answering Point Upgrade Project grant agreement.\
Approved non-renewal of modules in the Carriage Soft Technology (First Due) agreement, authorizing staff to seek replacement providers.
Approved a contract amendment for the Panama City Beach Convention Visitors Bureau to manage the Bay County Artificial Reef Program.
Awarded a $4,899,690 contract to Marshall Brothers Construction and Engineering, Inc. for North Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility Sequential Batch Reactor improvements (Hurricane Sally Project HMP 564022-A).

Property Abatement Assessment Program: Commissioner Pease raised concerns about the program’s impact on residents unable to maintain properties due to illness, proposing a $1,000 threshold to avoid tax liens for minor issues like unmowed grass. The county attorney clarified that the process includes multiple notices, magistrate hearings, and hardship applications. The board approved the initial resolution to establish the program, with a commitment to develop a policy by September to address minor violations without tax liens, potentially using alternative lien mechanisms. The motion passed unanimously.

Proposed Maximum Millage Rates for FY 2026: The board approved ceiling millage rates: General Fund (5.4362 mills, no increase), Mosquito Control (0.2000 mills, no increase), and MSU Fire Services (1.5030 mills, a 0.1230 increase, adding $22 annually for a $176,000 homesteaded property). Commissioners noted extensive budget discussions to minimize increases, particularly for fire services equipment needs. The rates were certified to the property appraiser, with final adoption in September.

FY 2025 Annual Resurfacing Phase Two Contract: Awarded a $922,305.90 contract to Roberts and Roberts, Inc. for road resurfacing, with the chairman authorized to execute the contract.

Philip Griffith Senior Parkway Phase Three Route Selection: Approved the Northern Route (M1) for the parkway, connecting Clair Avenue to Chip Hill Parkway, to minimize impact on Breakfast Point residents. The route supports a 200-foot right-of-way, two-lane limited-access road (45 mph design speed), and extends Gayle’s Trail East to Chip Hill. The project, funded by $2 million from the legislature, a $2 million DOT TRIP grant, and an additional $1 million for mitigation bank costs, addresses traffic congestion on Panama City Beach Parkway. Environmental and permitting discussions with agencies like DEP and the Army Corps are ongoing. The design phase is expected to take two years.

Chapter 11 Code Revisions: Approved updates to the Health and Human Services section, removing obsolete affordable housing provisions and updating references to align with current laws. No public comments were received.

Service Assessments Ordinance: Amended the ordinance to allow public notices on the county’s website per Florida Statute 50.011, reducing reliance on newspapers. Provisions for mailed notices and library internet access were noted. No public comments were received.

Chapter 13 Land Development Regulations Revisions: Approved amendments to align home occupation rules with state law, correct nightclub definitions, incorporate adult use zoning regulations, allow 8-foot ornamental fences with 25% opacity in front yard setbacks, and update cannabis dispensing facility rules for statutory compliance. The Planning Commission found the changes consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. No public comments were received.

No public comments were received.

Commissioners emphasized staying hydrated due to high heat. Commissioner Carroll welcomed Blair Saunders to the Planning Department, congratulated Tim Smith as new FDOT Secretary, and thanked staff for DOT partnerships. Commissioner Crosby noted the August back-to-school tax holiday and school start date (August 11). Commissioner Pease welcomed TDC member Jason Blanks and updated on efforts to reopen the Old Pass, supported by letters from local cities and officials. Chairman Moore echoed congratulations to Tim Smith and adjourned the meeting.

Watch the meeting here: https://baycountyfl.new.swagit.com/videos/349648