HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Millions of your tax dollars could be on the line as voters in Hillsborough County are set to weigh in on whether to extend the Community Investment Tax, also known as CIT.
The half-cent tax is credited for funding county projects and schools in the last 28 years, however it is set to expire in 2026. The Board of County Commissioners met again Wednesday and approved plans to put this to a vote in the November ballot.
The duration of the extension would only be 15 years if approved this time.
However, 5% of the funds would only apply to the school board this time compared to 25% under the current plan. The 5% amounts to about $187 million.
"I don't think that does what we need to do for schools in our future," Commissioner Pat Kemp said.
Kemp and Commissioner Ken Hagan voted against the plan. A number of other people who spoke during public comments opposed the decision.
This November, voters also get the opportunity to weigh in on a separate referendum from Hillsborough County Public Schools. Voters may choose whether to increase property taxes with the intention of using those funds to retain staff and raise teacher salaries.
That's one reason why some oppose funding schools through CIT.
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.
Under the renewed CIT plan, the remaining funds would go toward transportation and public works, public safety, public facilities, and public utilities.
Some who opposed the plan stated it's too soon to put the renewal up for the vote and cited current economic hardships. However, others believe voters would reject the plan because the duration isn't long enough.
An initial vote took place earlier this month. Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Van Ayres released a statement following that vote:
"We thank the Board of County Commissioners for including schools in the CIT, which is critical to our future. Hillsborough County’s population is growing rapidly, and we pledge to be good stewards of any funds we receive. If voters approve this measure, the CIT would generate approximately $187 million over 15 years for public schools, which means the district will most likely have to look for new funding sources to accommodate our growing community and build the schools that our students will need.”