ASHLAND — Ohioans are starting to see some relief at the gas pump.
According to AAA Fuel Prices, the average price for a gallon of gas in Ashland County was $3.56 as of Thursday — compared to $3.72 statewide.
The current dip in gas prices comes as a result of House Bill 519, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law Oct. 1, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.
The emergency legislation temporarily reduces Ohio’s fuel tax for 90 days to provide relief to drivers across the state.
As of 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 4, the holiday went into effect. It will run through 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2027. The legislation has reduced the state motor fuel tax rate from 38.5 cents per gallon (gasoline) and 47 cents per gallon (diesel) to one-hundredth of one cent per gallon.
According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, the law includes a $725 million transfer from state reserve funds to fully offset the temporary reduction — preserving road and infrastructure maintenance projects.
Ashland County commissioner Denny Bittle said the state reserve funds to preserve road and infrastructure projects was critical to help keep the county “whole.”
“I don’t know where they come up with ($725) million to make all villages, cities (and) townships whole but they found it somewhere,” Bittle said.
However, Commissioner Jim Justice said the cap was set at $725 million, meaning should that dollar amount be exceeded, the financial burden would fall to the county level.
“Hopefully $725 (million) covers it,” Justice said.
Impact to Ashland County if costs exceed state’s reserve funds transfer
County Engineer Ed Meixner shared concerns with the board on Sept. 24 regarding the then-proposed gas tax holiday.
At that time, it was uncertain whether or not HB 519 would have in place any mechanism preserving road and infrastructure maintenance projects.
“I suffer as much as everybody else from paying high gas taxes,” Meixner said Sept. 24. “It’s an important part of my (engineering) budget though.”
The engineer estimated the tax generates about $325,000 per month in revenue for the Ashland County Engineer’s Office. If that monthly revenue suddenly came to a halt, Meixner said he would be unsure if he could pay all the engineering-related bills.
“I think it’s my responsibility to tell you (commissioners) what those effects are going to be,” he told the board in September.
Ultimately, the transfer from state reserve funds to fully offset the temporary reduction have minimized the possibility of the county losing this monthly revenue. But should the $725 million be exceeded, the county would be left to figure out the deficit.
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