Hillsborough Schools seek renewal of half-cent sales tax
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Hillsborough County Public Schools is counting on voters to renew a half-cent sales tax that, if approved, is expected to yield between $121 million and $131 million a year for maintenance.
Why it matters: Keeping Hillsborough County's schools in good repair is no small feat, and it comes with a steep price tag for the third-largest district in Florida and seventh-largest in the nation.
Catch up quick: When the referendum went before voters in 2018, Hillsborough County Public Schools had about $1 billion in deferred maintenance, with air-conditioning systems among its chief concerns.
- Since then, the tax has financed more than $1.3 billion in repairs and improvements, helping replace aging air conditioners, fix leaky roofs, build new playgrounds and more.
- About $716 million in contracts for that work has been awarded to local businesses, according to the district.
Driving the news: The tax expires in two years, and the district says more than 1,000 projects still need to be completed.
- It's the second tax the school district has put before voters in two election cycles. The last was ultimately approved, but not before the County Commission opposed it and took the district to court.
- The taxes serve different purposes: The 2024 millage increase largely funds teacher and staff pay, while the half-cent sales tax can only be spent on school buildings and maintenance.
Between the lines: Voters in Hillsborough County will have several big questions before them in November.
- In addition to the half-cent sales tax, they'll decide whether to overhaul the state's property tax system, elect their school superintendent and expand the County Commission.
What's next: The school board will host town halls on the half-cent sales tax on Tuesday at Gaither High School and Thursday, Oct. 1, at Hillsborough High School, from 6 to 7pm.
- A virtual town hall is also scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14.