Polk superintendent outlines millage and sales‑tax referendum options; board asks for timelines and county coordination

The Polk County School Board on Feb. 11 received a staff briefing on two referendum models the district could pursue to raise local revenue: a traditional property‑tax (millage) referendum or a county sales‑tax referendum.

Superintendent Hyde told the board a 1‑mill property tax would generate approximately $72,500,000 based on the current gross taxable value; he said the estimated charter school share would be $11,700,000 leaving about $60,700,000 for the district. Hyde explained a mill is approximately $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value and gave the example that a $150,000 assessed home would pay roughly $150 per year for 1 mill.

By contrast, Hyde said a county sales‑tax model is a shared‑revenue referendum with a typical 15‑year term. Hyde’s presentation estimated a sales‑tax referendum could produce about $78,000,000 countywide, with an estimated district share of about $31,000,000 and the county taking the remainder; he noted share splits vary by county and that voters can approve provisions that convert sales tax proceeds to operational funds if the referendum language permits.

Why it matters: Board members said local payers and voters want improved teacher pay and retention, school safety improvements and program enhancements; the district’s recent efficiency audit and a small survey (about 250 respondents) were referenced as background for gauging community receptivity.

Board discussion and next steps - Preference and tradeoffs: Some board members, including Mr. Sharpless, said a millage referendum is the most direct route to increase operating budget funds for teacher salaries. Others emphasized that a sales‑tax referendum provides a longer‑term revenue stream (15 years) but the district’s share can be limited and is controlled in part by county decisions. - Messaging and community engagement: Board members stressed that messaging will be crucial and requested materials, public‑facing FAQs and town halls. Miss Miller and others urged transparent budgeting and a communications plan tied to any referendum proposal. - Legal and procedural timeline: Hyde said staff will work with counsel and county officials to present timelines and that the district may need to vote to give the superintendent explicit direction at a future workshop; Hy-de referenced Hillsborough County litigation as precedent that county approval challenges have been resolved in other jurisdictions.

Hyde said the board will receive a process timeline and that staff will return with options, potential ballot language, and refined revenue estimates; no referendum resolution or vote occurred at the workshop.