The Santa Rosa County Commission voted to double the county's gas tax this morning to 12 cents per gallon in order to help balance the county budget.

The gas tax could impact Santa Rosa residents' purchasing power, as measured by the average real per capita income, one of the key metrics in the Studer Community Institute's Metro Dashboard. For Santa Rosans, the average real per capita income is $37,739 a year, some $5,000 below the state average.

The gas tax in Escambia County is 11 cents; in Okaloosa County it is 12 cents.

The tax increase comes as county officials face a $2.8 million shortfall in the $73.6 million general fund for next fiscal year. Santa Rosa County Commissioners had contemplated a property tax increase of 6.4 percent — to 6.4911 mills — as recommended by County Administrator Hunter Walker to cover shortfall.

But on Monday night at the first of two public hearings for the 2015-16 county budget, commissioners voted unanimously to keep the property tax rate at the current 6.0953 mills. A mill is equal to $1 of tax per $100,000 of taxable value. Therefore, at that rate, a piece of property with $100,000 in taxable value would get a county tax of $609.53.

Today, commissioners voted increase the county’s gas tax to 12 cents per gallon — double the current 6 cents. The increase required two votes: One on the first 5 cents, and a second vote on the final cent. Only Commissioner Jayer Williamson voted against the first five cents, but the final cent was approved unanimously.

Gas tax money must be set aside for road projects. The county has identified $24.8 million in transportation capital improvement that need to be done within the next five years.

The gas tax increase will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016. The county expects it to raise about $1.2 million.

Commissions also decided to increase some permitting fees – anticipated to bring in $300,000 – and move about $1.3 million from reserve funds to make up the shortfall.

South end alcohol rules simplified

The Santa Rosa County Commission also voted 4-1 this morning to make the rules for selling alcohol uniform in all of the South Santa Rosa Tourism District. Commissioner Bob Cole opposed the change.

The tourism district includes areas south of the East River. Under the rules adopted today, alcohol sales will be allowed from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., seven days a week. Until now, those were the hours for sales on Navarre Beach only with such sales allowed on the mainland only for 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday.

Alcohol sales are still not allowed on Sundays in the rest of the county.

Deadline extended for administrator search

The deadline for candidates to apply to become Santa Rosa County's next county administrator has been extended until Friday. Sept. 11.

The original deadline for applicants was July 31, by which the county received 38 applicants. Those applicants included many candidates with advanced degrees and experience in local government. A former Escambia County interim administrator, a former Whiting Field Navy Air Station executive officer and a current Santa Rosa County department head were among those initial applicants.

However, the county extended the deadline based on the advice of the Florida Association of County Managers, which the county has employed to help with the search.

"The candidate pool at this time could be stronger given the quality of the opportunity in Santa Rosa County," wrote Vincent Long, president of FACM.

County Administrator Hunter Walker announced earlier this year that he would retire after 20 years on the job. He had hoped to leave by Dec. 31, but has said he is willing to stay longer if necessary.

Walker's current salary is $132,412 annually. The county is advertising a salary range $115,000 to $145,000 based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.