TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County School Board on Tuesday approved sending a referendum to voters that would increase property taxes. The school district says it's desperately needed to retain teachers.
The school board voted 5-2 to send the referendum to voters in November, with those against saying times are too tough to ask taxpayers to fork over more money. But those in support say there is no time to lose.
Dozens lined up to speak for and against a referendum to raise property taxes in Hillsborough County to raise teacher pay.
“Of course, our focus is on the health of the school district but we have to think of the greater good for our community,” said school board member Stacy Hahn, who voted no.
Board members peppered superintendent Van Ayres with questions about fiscal transparency and worries if the measure will actually keep teachers from leaving to nearby and higher paying school districts.
“Let's let our voters decide,” said board member Nadia Combs, who voted yes. “Let's let our voters go in and decide and I will have one vote just like them.”
“We need to pay them more, but we need to do it from in house,” said board member Patti Rendon, who voted no. “And once we have done that and we clearly have shown that we would not be able to generate that revenue, I’m all for looking at other options but right now, I know for a fact we have not done enough.”
The plan would tax property an extra dollar per thousand of its assessed value. The district says it'll raise close to $200 million a year and add $6000 to each teacher and administrator salary. All other school employees would receive $3000 extra per year.
“I'm hoping that even though it's a burden on homeowners,” said board member Jessica Vaughn, who voted yes. “If it means it can keep our teachers and keep our schools in the way that they deserve to be, then it's worth it for me.”
The ad valorem tax would be in effect for four years, if approved by voters in November.