What Hillsborough's half-cent tax could fund
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In less than two months, Hillsborough voters will decide whether to approve the latest iteration of the half-cent tax, one of the few ways the county can fund the infrastructure needed to support its booming population.
Why it matters: The Community Investment Tax, which financed everything from ZooTampa at Lowry Park to Raymond James Stadium, expires in two years unless voters approve an extension.
Between the lines: The referendum asks voters to extend the tax for 15 years, a move that would generate hundreds of millions each year to be divided among Hillsborough County, Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.
- Five percent is shaved off the top for the school board each year. The rest is allotted based on population. Each government had to submit a plan for how it would use the money should voters approve the tax.
Zoom in: Hillsborough County, with a population of over 1.5 million, gets the largest share of the revenue. Its plan includes $1.34 billion for transportation and public works, 16% of which is earmarked for intersection safety.
- Part of that $1.34 billion would go toward bridge and sidewalk repairs, congestion relief for Lithia Pinecrest Road and Van Dyke Road, and several multi-use trails and boardwalks, including Cypress Creek Preserve.
- The county also plans to use $597 million from the tax for public facilities, like repairs and maintenance at Raymond James Stadium and Amalie Arena, as well as park improvements like covered basketball courts.
- $487 million will help build nine fire stations and expand the county jail and its courtrooms; another $180 million will go toward stormwater infrastructure, including improvements in Town and Country.
Meanwhile, the City of Tampa's projects include sidewalk and bridge repairs, congestion relief, and the purchase of more vehicles and equipment for its fire rescue and law enforcement. The estimated cost: $783 million.
- Plant City lists vehicles and equipment for its fire rescue and law enforcement facilities, along with improvements to the city's parks, ballfields and playgrounds. No figures are listed in its plan.
- The City of Temple Terrace seeks $17 million for the construction of a new police department and $9 million toward the construction of a new fire station, among other improvements. Cost: $53 million.
The school board earmarked its $188 million for a new elementary and middle school in Wimauma and another elementary school near Apollo Beach, with the rest set aside for its future construction needs.