Hillsborough County is implementing a voter-approved property tax increase aimed at bolstering school funding, providing significant raises for teachers and support staff, and enhancing academic programs. This initiative, which began impacting homeowners’ tax bills recently, is set to inject substantial revenue into the school district, addressing long-standing staffing shortages and improving educational offerings.
Key Takeaways
- A voter-approved property tax increase is now in effect in Hillsborough County.
- Teachers will receive an average annual raise of $6,000, and support staff $3,000.
- Homeowners will see an increase of approximately $1 per $1,000 of assessed home value on their property tax bills.
- The funds are earmarked for increased compensation, academic programs, arts, physical education, and full-day VPK.
Property Tax Impact on Homeowners
Homeowners in Hillsborough County are beginning to see the effects of the voter-approved property tax increase, which was designed to support the local school district. "Truth in Millage" (TRIM) notices, detailing the proposed tax rates, were mailed out in August. The tax adds an estimated $1 for every $1,000 of a home’s assessed value. For a home valued at the county’s median, this translates to an average annual increase of around $250. Property owners have a window to request a reassessment if they believe their property valuation is inaccurate, especially in cases of storm damage.
Teacher and Staff Compensation Boost
The primary driver behind the property tax increase is to address teacher shortages and improve compensation for school staff. Teachers are set to receive an average annual pay increase of $6,000, while support staff, such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers, will see an additional $3,000 annually. School administrators will also benefit from a $6,000 yearly raise. These raises are intended to make Hillsborough County Public Schools more competitive in attracting and retaining educators.
Allocation of Funds and Future Plans
The approved millage is projected to generate approximately $177 million annually. A significant portion of this revenue will be dedicated to increasing staff compensation, with an estimated $97 million allocated for teacher raises and $7 million for administrator raises. Support staff will receive $34.7 million in raises. The remaining funds will be invested in expanding academic programs, arts education, physical education, and providing free full-day Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) for thousands of students. This millage is set to remain in place through June 2029, with potential reauthorization needed thereafter. Hillsborough County now joins other Florida counties that have implemented similar voter-approved referendums to support their school systems.
Sources
- Hillsborough teachers head back to school with raise after property tax increase, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Hillsborough County Public Schools millage referendum starts this school year, wtsp.com.
- Hillsborough County schools propose property tax hike to address teacher shortages, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Experts: School rezoning can impact Hillsborough property values, wtsp.com.
- Hillsborough voters to decide this year on property tax increase for schools, teacher pay, Florida Politics.