Hillsborough County teachers and support staff are returning to school with increased paychecks following a voter-approved property tax increase. While educators welcome the raise, homeowners are facing higher tax bills, and the state’s Chief Financial Officer has accused the county of significant financial mismanagement.
Key Takeaways
- Hillsborough teachers receive an average $6,000 raise; support staff get $3,000.
- The pay increases are funded by a voter-approved property tax hike.
- Homeowners will see higher property tax bills, with "TRIM" notices arriving soon.
- Florida’s CFO alleges Hillsborough County wasted over $278 million in taxpayer funds.
Teacher Raises Funded By Property Tax Increase
Hillsborough County teachers and support staff are set to receive a significant pay raise as the new school year begins. Teachers will see an average increase of $6,000, while support staff will receive approximately $3,000 more. These raises are a direct result of a property tax increase approved by voters last November.
Libby Carter, a teacher at Ballast Point Elementary, expressed her gratitude for the additional income, stating it provides much-needed financial breathing room. She believes the raise is a testament to the community’s appreciation for its educators.
Homeowners Brace for Higher Tax Bills
While the pay raises are a welcome development for school employees, homeowners in Hillsborough County are preparing for increased property tax bills. The millage rate increase means property owners will pay an additional dollar for every $1,000 of their home’s assessed value. "Truth in Millage" (TRIM) notices, detailing the proposed taxes, are scheduled to be mailed starting August 18.
For a home valued at the county’s median, this translates to an average annual tax increase of around $250. Property owners who believe their property has been overvalued have until September 12 to request a reassessment.
Accusations of Wasteful Spending
Adding a layer of controversy to the situation, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has accused Hillsborough County of wasting over $278 million in taxpayer money. Ingoglia, who has made similar accusations against other Florida counties, claims that the county could have reduced its millage rate by 1.02 mils without impacting essential services or necessary raises for first responders, and still maintained a 5 percent buffer.
Ingoglia stated that his agency’s calculations account for inflation and population growth. He plans to cite specific examples of alleged waste once official DOGE reports are released in the coming weeks. Hillsborough County has not yet responded to requests for comment on these accusations. Ingoglia is advocating for property tax reform to be on next year’s ballot for voters to decide.