Hillsborough County’s Crucial Tax Referendums This Fall: A Vote for Education and Infrastructure
This fall, Hillsborough County voters face an important decision with two local tax referendums aimed at significantly impacting the community’s schools and infrastructure.
Key Proposals on the Ballot
-
Property Tax Increase:
- A proposal to raise property taxes by one millage.
- Funds specifically designated for increasing teacher and staff salaries.
- Community Investment Tax (CIT) Renewal:
- A half-penny sales tax that has been in effect since 1996, funding significant capital projects, including:
- Raymond James Stadium
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Fire stations
- New school construction
- A half-penny sales tax that has been in effect since 1996, funding significant capital projects, including:
Implications for Education
With an ongoing teacher shortage impacting educational quality, many advocates are pushing for the property tax increase. The previous attempt to pass a similar measure in 2022 was narrowly defeated. Supporters argue that greater awareness of how teacher shortages affect students’ education will drive voters to favor this tax increase this year.
Ellen Lyons, vice president of advocacy for the Hillsborough County Council PTA, stated:
“If you don’t pay the people who are going to educate your children a living wage, they’re gonna go work elsewhere. And that’s what’s happening.”
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As of August 2023, data shows about 10,000 students began the school year without a full-time teacher. The lack of educators, along with a shortage of 210 bus drivers, has caused significant operational challenges.
Economic Climate Concerns
While many support the referendums, some officials raise concerns that presenting two tax measures simultaneously could overwhelm voters, especially amid rising living costs.
Commissioner Ken Hagan expressed fears that voters might perceive the school district as “double dipping,” potentially jeopardizing the broader CIT’s chances of passing. To mitigate concerns, commissioners reduced the school district’s portion of the sales tax from 25% to 5% and shortened the tax’s duration from 30 to 15 years, resulting in a minimum $57 million shortfall for school construction over the next decade.
The 2022 Referendum Retake
The property tax for schools was rejected in 2022 by a razor-thin margin. However, proponents remain optimistic this year, highlighting the changing dynamics surrounding teacher compensation.
Community Support and Strategy
This year’s advocacy for the property tax differs significantly from the previous campaign:
- Rob Kriete, president of the Hillsborough County teachers union, mentioned:
“We’ve been doing work on this months in advance and we’re working with community partners.”
In contrast to the 2022 campaign, this year has seen more collaboration with local organizations and a longer timeline to engage voters ahead of the November election.
A Crowded Ballot
The presence of these referendums comes at a complex time politically, as they coincide with a presidential race, U.S. Senate election, and two high-profile ballot measures involving abortion and marijuana.
Josh Scacco, a political communications expert, remarked:
“Voters will be inundated with statewide voter initiatives, which has the potential to crowd out the attention that countywide referendums get.”
Engaging Voters Effectively
To overcome these challenges, effective messaging and outreach strategies will be vital. Historical voting patterns suggest that an electorate drawn out for the presidential election could lead to a more diverse voter turnout, which may influence local ballot measures.
Conclusion
As Hillsborough County prepares for this pivotal election, voters will need to weigh the urgent needs of the school system against the broader economic landscape. The outcomes of these referendums could shape the future of education and infrastructure within the community for years to come.
Additional Resources
Stay informed and ready to make your voice heard this November!