Tampa Bay voters face school funding tax referendums on November 3 ballot

On November 3, voters in the Tampa Bay region will decide on several tax referendums aimed at funding education in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties, WUSF reported.

Hillsborough and Pasco school districts are seeking to renew existing taxes. Hillsborough's referendum would continue a half-cent sales tax for another 10 years starting in 2029, which has funded over 900 projects including school construction, renovations, and safety improvements since 2019. Pasco's referendum asks voters to renew a one millage property tax originally approved in 2022 that helps boost teacher pay.

Polk County Public Schools is asking voters to approve a new property tax increase. This tax would fund school construction, renovations, air-conditioning, roofs, safety improvements, technology, and other capital projects but cannot be used for employee salaries or routine expenses, according to WUSF.

The Hillsborough tax is overseen by a Citizen Oversight Committee and independently audited to ensure funds are properly spent. Every school is guaranteed at least $500,000 in improvements. Pasco's property tax would cost homeowners about $1 per $1,000 of taxable property after exemptions, roughly $25 a month for a $300,000 home.

Supporters like Quan Remmer, president of the Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA, and Kim Anderson of People for Pasco highlight the importance of well-maintained schools and higher teacher retention as key benefits of these taxes.