Voters to decide on Hillsborough County school tax referendum

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As residents in Hillsborough County headed to the polls Tuesday, they were tasked with deciding whether a tax referendum that would raise money for local schools should be approved.

A vote yes would allow the Hillsborough County School District to levy an ad valorem operating millage of one mill annually from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Hillsborough County voters to decide on renewal of half-cent sales tax

That would mean property owners would pay an additional $1 for every $1,000 of property value.

If approved, officials expect the measure to generate nearly $177 million to support students each year. According to the school district, $150.4 million would go to district schools and $26.6 million would go to charter schools.

Some of the funds would also go toward recruiting and retaining teachers, with salary increases for educators and other school staff.

Teachers would receive a salary supplement of $6,000 more a year, and bus drivers and student nutrition workers would receive $3,000 more a year.

The school board has been trying to get a millage increase passed for years. However, some voters have been wary of the tax increase with a sales tax renewal also on the November ballot.

County commissioners who opposed the millage also said they were concerned with adding a tax referendum amid inflation.