(a) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

(1) AMENDMENT No. 3. That amendment to the constitution that was proposed by Act 60, S. 130, 1915 Regular Session.

(2) AMENDMENT No. 373. That amendment to the constitution that was proposed by Act 6, 1978 Second Special Session.

(3) COUNTY COMMISSION. Escambia County Commission.

(4) CONSTITUTION. The Constitution of Alabama of 1901.

(5) COUNTY. Escambia County, Alabama.

(6) SPECIAL TAX. The countywide ad valorem tax authorized in Amendment No. 3 and levied and collected on taxable property in the county.

(b) The county presently levies and collects the special tax at a rate of thirty cents ($.30) on each one hundred dollars ($100) (3 mills on each dollar) of assessed value pursuant to Amendment No. 3 and Amendment No. 373 and an election held in the county on May 8, 1979. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the county commission in accordance with Amendment No. 373, the county proposes to increase the rate at which it may levy and collect the special tax to a maximum rate, for any tax year, which is equal to one dollar thirty cents ($1.30) on each one hundred dollars ($100) (13 mills on each dollar) of assessed value.

Pursuant to subsection (f) of Amendment No. 373 and a resolution adopted by the county commission after a public hearing, the county commission may increase the rate at which the county levies and collects the special tax to a maximum rate, for any tax year, which is equal to one dollar thirty cents ($1.30) on each hundred dollars ($100) (13 mills on each dollar) of assessed value.

(d) The increase in the rate at which the special tax may be levied and collected pursuant to this section is subject to the approval of a majority of the qualified electors residing in the county who vote on the proposed increase at a special election called and held for such purpose pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) of Amendment No. 373.