Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 to go along with the Hillsborough School Board's request for a property tax referendum on the August 23 primary ballot.
School officials have estimated the levy would raise $126 million per year--most of which would go toward teacher salaries. If approved, homeowners would pay $1 for every $1-thousand in assessed value.
Commissioner Ken Hagan questioned the timing of the levy, while Republican Stacy White criticized it in the midst of rising inflation, high gas prices, and stock market volatility.
Pasco County is also asking voters to approve a similar referendum in August.
photo: Getty Images