Hillsborough County Residents Begin Receiving Transportation Tax Refunds

Overview of the Refund Program

Four years after the Florida Supreme Court invalidated a 1-cent transportation sales tax, residents of Hillsborough County are finally receiving refunds. However, the refund process has raised concerns among residents, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the amounts received and the overall communication from the authorities.

Who is Eligible for the Refund?

Residents who lived in Hillsborough County between January 2019 and March 2021 were eligible to claim a refund. Those who registered by December 31, 2022, were promised a check of up to $100. However, some residents opted out of the program, doubting its legitimacy.

• Eligible residents: Those who lived in the county during the specified timeframe
• Refund amount: Up to $100 for eligible applicants

Refund Amounts Received

The amounts received by residents vary significantly, leading to confusion and frustration:

• Dayna Lazarus, a long-time resident, received $58.64.
• A Tampa Bay Times staffer and his wife received $96.15 each.
• Gil Schisler, a member of the Temple Terrace City Council, filed for $100 but his wife received the amount instead.

Administrative Challenges

The refund process is managed by BrownGreer, a private settlement administrator based in Richmond, Virginia. Local officials have reported little guidance, causing confusion for constituents. Residents are encouraged to recognize checks coming from a P.O. box in Richmond and avoid mistaking them for junk mail.

For more information about the refund, visit BrownGreer.

Communication Issues and Perceived Legitimacy

According to Sydney Gustafson, a spokesperson for BrownGreer, the first round of checks began mailing on April 22, 2023. The company intends to send additional batches soon. However, many residents have voiced concerns about the legitimacy of the refund notices.

Community concerns include:

• Doubts over the legitimacy of refund notices
• Poor communication regarding the refund process
• A sense that many could have thrown away legitimate refund notices without realizing it

Contacting Local Authorities

Local representatives like Chris Wilkerson and Gil Schisler have noted the widespread confusion. Many constituents have questioned whether the notice they received was a scam.

• Projects funded by the refund: The state law specifying how the funds can be used has been met with criticism, as many feel public transit is neglected in favor of road improvements.

Where Did the Money Come From?

The transportation sales tax was initially approved by voters in 2018, projecting nearly $16 billion for transportation projects over 30 years. However, in 2021, the tax was overturned, leaving the county with millions in lost revenue.

Funds distribution:

• $256 million earmarked for road resurfacing projects
• $171 million allocated to legal fees and resident refunds
• $162 million directed towards a county sales tax holiday

Moving Forward: Road Projects vs. Transit Needs

While Hillsborough County will see funding for road improvements, the local transit agency faces a dire financial situation. The agency is projecting a funding shortfall by 2028, threatening to cut services further.

Calls for action include:

• Increasing property taxes to support transit systems
• Advocating for a future sales tax proposal to be voted on in 2026

Community Reactions

The small refund amounts have left many residents feeling unsettled. Dayna Lazarus encapsulated the sentiment by stating, “I did expect more than $58 after all of this. Even if I did get $100, I still would have rather had a functioning public transit system.”

Conclusion

The Hillsborough County transportation tax refund program has generated mixed reactions among residents. While some have started to receive their checks, communication and transparency issues remain prevalent. As the local authorities work through these challenges, residents are encouraged to verify their eligibility and stay informed about future initiatives.

Stay updated by visiting Hillsborough County government for further information on local transit and road improvement projects.