By Staff
Polk County voters approved a 1.0 ad valorem millage (1-mill) property tax increase on November 3, 2026. The measure passed with approximately 60% of the vote (145,311 “Yes” to 94,758 “No”).
This marks the first time Polk County voters have passed an operational school tax referendum of this type.
Referendum Details & Compensation Breakdown
- Teacher & Staff Salary Increase: School employees—including teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, and bus drivers—are set to receive an across-the-board base pay raise of $3,700 beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.
- Revenue Allocation: The levy is expected to generate $65.6 million to $80 million annually over the next four years (through June 2031):
- 80% ($52.5M): Employee recruitment, retention, and base pay increases.
- 20% ($13.1M): School safety and security, fine/performing arts programs, early childhood education, and career/technical workforce development.
- Charter School Sharing: Local charter schools will receive their statutorily proportionate share (approx. 18%) of the total funds collected.
Cost to Homeowners
The tax adds $1.00 for every $1,000 of taxable assessed property value (after applying the homestead exemption). For a median Polk County home with an assessed taxable value of around $259,400, the tax translates to an additional $259.42 annually (roughly $21.60 per month).
The funding term runs through mid-2031, after which voters would need to vote on extending the millage or letting it expire.
(Visited 10 times, 10 visits today)