Lutz voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to continue Hillsborough County Public Schools’ half-cent sales tax for school repairs and upgrades. The referendum applies to Hillsborough County, not Pasco County.

What Referendum 3 would fund

The ballot asks voters to continue a one-half-cent school capital-outlay sales surtax for 10 years beginning Jan. 1, 2029. The tax would fund air-conditioning replacement and repairs, capital improvements and school construction, security enhancements and other maintenance needs. The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections lists the question as Referendum No. 3. The tax is not new: voters approved the existing levy in 2018, and the district calls it the Half-Penny Promise.

School Board Chair Karen Perez said the referendum would continue the existing tax rate rather than increase it, WFLA reported.

Since 2018, Hillsborough County Public Schools says it has invested more than $1.326 billion in improvements funded by the tax, including more than $716 million spent with local businesses. Projects have included air-conditioning replacements, roof renovations and security upgrades, according to a district press release. An independent Citizen Oversight Committee reviews the spending, the district says.

How Lutz-area voters can cast a ballot

Early voting in Hillsborough County runs through Nov. 1. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 27 locations across the county. On Election Day, Nov. 3, polling places are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; voters in line by 7 p.m. may vote.

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot was Oct. 22. Mail ballots must arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Check the Supervisor of Elections website for your assigned precinct and voting options.

Other questions on the ballot

School Board Chair Perez is also on the Nov. 3 ballot, facing Kenneth “Ken” Gay in the District 6 runoff. Perez led the August primary with more than 48% of the vote, according to Bay News 9. Gay, a retired educator, finished second with more than 27%, Tampa Bay Beacons reported.