PHENIX CITY WINS NEARLY $2M AGAINST RUSSELL COUNTY
Phenix City, Alabama: On January 10, 2025, the Alabama Supreme Court affirmed the Russell County Circuit Court’s ruling in favor of the City of Phenix City and against Russell County in a dispute over the distribution of gasoline tax proceeds. The original lawsuit was filed in 2018 when Russell County made the unilateral decision to stop paying Phenix City proceeds from the gasoline tax distributed to Russell County as required by law.
On January 10, 2024, the Russell County Circuit Court held that Russell County is obligated to pay Phenix City gasoline tax revenue as set out in local act 1968-859. The Court further ordered that Russell County immediately resume paying the gasoline tax and ordered that a hearing be set on the arrearage owed to Phenix City.
Following the Circuit Court’s ruling, Russell County appealed the decision to the Alabama Supreme Court. On January 10, 2025, the Alabama Supreme Court held that Russell County was obligated to pay Phenix City the contested gasoline tax proceeds. It is estimated that Russell County will owe the City of Phenix City nearly $2.5 million dollars.
Phenix City was represented in the appellate court by Evans Bailey of Rushton Stakely and in the Circuit Court by Chan Gamble and James McKoon.
Attorney Chan Gamble stated, “Obviously, the City is satisfied with the court’s ruling, and is eager to put the delinquent funds into the maintenance and improvement of its roads, streets and bridges.”
The City of Phenix City will be available for questions concerning the case on Monday at 9:00AM ET at the City Council Chambers,1111 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL 36867.
The Alabama Supreme Court’s opinion may be found at https://publicportal-api.alappeals.gov/courts/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/cms/case/C295EA7B-D60E-440C-A367-DACC363F6B0B/docketentrydocuments/B5A29FFA-BFFF-4A4D-B0C2-4928B2C7C17D
For additional information, please contact Chan Gamble at (334) 448-2684.
View the official Media Release.
