Commissioners vote to add tax referendum to ballot

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – County commissioners have approved a tax referendum for the 2026 ballot.

The referendum will let voters decide on giving teachers and school staff a raise by paying an extra $1 in property tax for every $1,000 their property is worth.

The funds would generate an estimated $76-$82 million annually to boost teacher and staff pay and fund programs like school safety, arts, career/technical education, and early learning.

A significant salary gap exists between Polk and neighboring counties, contributing to recruitment and retention issues. The additional fund would cost the average homeowner about $260 more per year.

If the referendum passes, the tax would go into effect July 1, 2027 and last until June 2031.