Panama City mayor backtracks on promise to repeal fire assessment tax

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (FLV) – Panama City’s newly-elected mayor, Mike “Doc” Rohan, appeared to back out of one of his biggest campaign promises on Tuesday by stating that he plans to reduce the fire assessment tax rate instead of completely repealing it.

The fire assessment tax helps pay for the city’s fire department expenses. It was originally introduced in 2020 and has increased by 4.62% since its implementation.

“In reality, I don’t think we’re going to be able to get rid of it,” Rohan said in an interview with WMBB after the city’s fire assessment tax workshop.

“But we’re going to be able to make some very good benefits, especially to the poor people in Panama City who have had a problem paying this thing,” he said.

One of the significant promises made in Rohan’s 2023 mayoral campaign was his commitment to have the tax removed under his administration.

Throughout the election he referenced the tax as “pesky” and “burdensome.”

Rohan won a close runoff election on May 16 against incumbent mayor Greg Brudnicki, with 52% of the vote.

“I believe there are other, kinder ways of raising revenue,” he said in a campaign video. “Please elect Doc Rohan and I will repeal the fire tax.”

Even with his modified opinion, many conservatives said they are happy with the work Rohan is getting done on the issue.

Tho Bishop, the chairman of Bay County’s Republican Executive committee, believes that affordability is one of the “greatest challenges” that the community faces.

“I’m glad to see new leadership in Panama City is prioritizing tax relief for residents,” Bishop said.

Florida’s Voice has reached out to the mayor and his office over phone and email for a comment or statement. The story will be updated if one is provided.