TAMPA — Hillsborough County is going to appeal a decision to put a teacher raise referendum on this November's ballot.
Previous Stories
- 'We are grateful': Hillsborough school leaders glad millage referendum will go to ballot (Aug. 3)
- Hillsborough County teachers union launches 'Vote Yes for Students' campaign to gain support for teacher pay referendum (Aug. 2)
- Hillsborough School Board votes to seek legal action over November referendum (July 23)
The county's Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to file an expedited appeal. The vote was 4-3.
On Friday of last week, a judge ruled that the county could not delay a millage referendum from appearing on this November's ballot for two years.
Commissioners wanted to delay the millage rate increase because it would appear along side another tax hike on this ballot.
Commissioner Ken Hagan said even though his daughter is a rising senior, he still supports delaying the referendum because of the current state of the economy.
Superintendent Van Ayres said, "We are going to do everything we can to ensure the referendum is on the ballot in November of this year."
He said he is disappointed in the commission's decision.
The district says the referendum would bring in $177 million a year if approved by voters.
Ninety percent of that money would go toward employee pay.
The deadline to get items printed on the November ballot is Aug. 20.