Hillsborough to appeal ruling allowing teacher pay referendum

Hillsborough's GOP-led commission doubled down in its fight to stall the school board's tax referendum, voting to appeal a court order to place it on the ballot.

Why it matters: It's the latest escalation in a feud between the two government entities, leaving teacher raises in limbo.

• The vote lands two weeks before the printing deadline for the November ballot — and the county's appeal alone, if not expedited, endangers the referendum.

Catch up quick: Commissioner Joshua Wostal (R) made a motion in July to punt the ballot referendum to 2026, citing "increases in the costs of inflation."

• The school board then sued the commission. Earlier this month, a circuit court ruled that "commissioners have no discretion to choose a different date."
• Circuit Judge Emily Peacock's order directed the commission to adopt a resolution no later than Aug. 13 to put the referendum before voters.

Driving the news: The Hillsborough Commission voted 4-3 on Wednesday to appeal that order and hire outside counsel to pursue the case.

The big picture: If voters approve the tax referendum, it will result in about $200 million for the school district, with 90% of the funds earmarked for teacher salaries.

• There are about 500 classroom vacancies in Hillsborough County. Teachers in Florida are among the lowest-paid in the U.S.

What they're saying: "The No. 1 complaint from my constituents has been increased expenses, the tough economy, and the burden being placed on families," Commissioner Christine Miller (R) said at Wednesday's meeting.

• "If I have a possibility of postponing this to a matter of a time when the economy is better, I need to exercise it," she added.

The other side: "Statewide, we're doing terribly to compensate our teachers. But in Hillsborough County, we're doing especially terribly," said Commissioner Pat Kemp (D), who voted no.

• "Let the matter rest here. This vote belongs to the voters."