TAMPA, Fla. -- Voters are being asked to increase the Hillsborough County's sales tax a half-penny to help pay for infrastructure repairs at public schools.
The extra $131 million dollars would be used to replace or overhaul 203 air conditioning system, replace roofs, update technology and improve school security.
The total price tag for all the repairs is $637 million.
The tax would last for a decade.
According to the School District, a typical family with a household income of $51,000 would pay an extra $63 a year. A portion of the sales tax increase would be paid by tourists.
The tax would not apply to groceries or medicine.
Along with the school referendum, voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase for transportation.
If both are approved, Hillsborough County’s sales tax would be 8.5 percent, the highest in Florida.
For several weeks district leaders have spoken to voters at town hall meetings being held across the county to answer questions why the school referendum is important. Five more are being held before the November 6 General Election:
October 9, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
Jackson Springs Recreation Center
820 Jackson Springs Rd
Tampa, FL 33615
October 10, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
Lennard High School
2342 Shell Point Rd. E
Ruskin, FL 33570
October 11, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church
2902 W. Fletcher Ave
Tampa, FL 33618
October 15, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
Middleton High School
4801 N 22nd St
Tampa, FL 33610
October 23, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
The Chapel at Fishhawk
6026 Churchside Dr
Lithia, FL 33547
