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Polk County commissioners continue action on school‑board 1‑mill referendum amid frustration over limited authority
Summary
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners debated whether to place a Polk County School Board request for a 1‑mill operating millage on the 2026 general election ballot and, after extended questioning about timing and public perception, voted to continue the matter to the first BOCC meeting in January so the school board can present more information.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners debated a request from the Polk County School Board to put a referendum on the 2026 general election ballot asking voters to approve an additional 1 mill in property tax for school operating purposes. Staff told the board that state law and court decisions make the board’s role ministerial — that the BOCC must place a school‑board referendum on the ballot when requested by the school board.
Commissioners pressed for more information on how the funds would be used and worried about public perception that the county was the originator of the tax increase. Commissioner Santiago said the public would likely “blame us” even though the board has little discretion to block the measure. Commissioner Scott…
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