Hillsborough County Property Tax Proposal for Teacher Pay Blocked

Introduction: The Controversial Vote

In a pivotal decision, the Hillsborough County Commission voted 4-3 to exclude a proposed property tax aimed at boosting teacher and administrator salaries from this year’s ballot. This news has sparked outrage among educators and supporters of public education, prompting a response from the Hillsborough County School Superintendent, Van Ayres, and school board members.

What Was Proposed?

The intended property tax would levy $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value, projected to generate approximately $177 million annually for Hillsborough County schools. The funds were earmarked to address teacher compensation, aiming to make salaries more competitive and alleviate shortages in the educational workforce.

Response from School Officials

Superintendent Van Ayres expressed his disbelief at the commission’s decision, emphasizing that it undermined the democratic process:

"It’s puzzling to all of us in Hillsborough County Public Schools as to why four county commissioners are taking the choice out of the hands of the voter," Ayres stated.

Call for Accountability

Ayres criticized the commissioners for not honoring their duty to present the referendum to voters. He highlighted that the school board had voted in favor of the referendum earlier in April, hoping citizens would have a say in the matter.

Florida Law Context

During the commissioners’ meeting, District 7 Commissioner Joshua Wostal clarified that under Florida law, the commission did not have the authority to outright reject the tax proposal:

"The law is clear that we don’t have the option to say no," Wostal said, suggesting a shift of the referendum date from November 2024 to November 2026.

Arguments Against Delay

Several commissioners voiced their support for placing the referendum on the upcoming ballot:

• District 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers advocated for immediate action, stating:

  "We all know that our teachers are underpaid… Let’s take care of our teachers who help our children right here in our counties."

• District 1 Commissioner Harry Cohen echoed this urgency, pushing for the people to make their choice:
  

  "The right thing to do is to put it in front of the voters at the time when the elected school board asked us to do it."

Despite these sentiments, District 2 Commissioner Ken Hagan opposed the timing of the tax increase, citing economic hardships faced by residents due to inflation.

The Commissioners’ Vote Breakdown

The vote resulted in the following outcome:

• In favor of postponing the referendum (to 2026):

  • Ken Hagan
  • Christine Miller
  • Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Joshua Wostal
• Opposed to postponing:
  • Pat Kemp
  • Harry Cohen
  • Gwen Myers

Next Steps for the School Board

In light of this development, Superintendent Ayres announced plans for a special school board meeting on July 23rd at 2 p.m. The objective is to authorize him to explore legal avenues to ensure the millage referendum appears on the ballot this year.

"We’ll be asking a judge to compel the county commission to do the statutorily required duty," said Ayres, indicating a potential legal battle ahead.

Conclusion: The Impact on Hillsborough County Education

The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for Hillsborough County’s education system. The proposed tax was more than just a financial plan; it represented a commitment to investing in the future of education and the wellbeing of both students and teachers in the region.

Related Resources

For more information on public education funding and property tax propositions, visit Florida Department of Education or read about Florida’s Tax Laws.

Stay informed about further developments in this issue that affects the future of our educators and, ultimately, our students.