After a lengthy discussion, and despite the support of dozens of prominent local organizations, Lake County Commissioners defeated a 5-cent local option gas tax that would have funded road resurfacing in the county.

While three of the five commissioners were in support, Commission Chair Leslie Campione and Commissioner Anthony Sabatini voted against the tax, denying it the required supermajority vote.

Florida counties are allowed to add a 5-cent local gas tax on top of other local and state fuel taxes. Under the proposed ordinance, the new tax in Lake would have taken effect on Jan. 1, with the additional five cents going toward road resurfacing.

Resurfacing is separate from road improvements such as road widening, safety upgrades, intersection improvements, new road construction and ot

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