Hillsborough commissioners discuss future of half-cent sales tax
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) —Members of the Hillsborough County Commission are looking toward the future, with the renewal of the “Community Investment Tax” under consideration.
The half-cent sales surtax was originally approved by voters in 1996. Since it’s approval, funds from the CIT have $2.3 billion in improvements throughout the county.
17 fire station projects
115 road projects
27 law enforcement and courts projects
126 stormwater projects
68 intersection projects
32 bridge projects
42 public utilities projects
13 sidewalk projects
41 government facilities projects
258 parks and rec. projects
6 new or expanded libraries
12 arts and culture projects
Revenue from the CIT is divided among following entities:
25% to the Hillsborough County School Board
$9 million annually for capital maintenance and stadium debt service
Remaining revenue distributed between the BOCC, City of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace
Hillsborough County’s population is expected to increase by 475,000 by 2050. Commissioners say as the area grows, funds from the renewed surtax will be necessary to cover essential projects and improvements.
The current CIT expires in 2026.
In a 7-0 vote Wednesday morning, commissioners agreed to come back on April 3 with a draft ordinance for the Community Investment Tax. Then, they will debate if schools, roads and other needs will be put into the CIT if it goes on the ballot. Commissioners will also decide if they should make it a 10, 20 or 30-year tax.
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