Polk voters approve school tax that will raise about $65.6 million a year

Polk County voters approved the school referendum Tuesday with 60.61% support, adding a new 1-mill property tax for Polk County Public Schools. For Lakeland homeowners and other county property owners, the charge is tied to taxable value after the homestead exemption.

What the tax does

According to local media, the referendum is expected to generate about $65.6 million a year for four years. The district’s example said a home with $259,419 in taxable value would owe about $259.42 a year, or $21.62 a month.

Where the money goes

According to local media, about 80% of the money, or $52.5 million, is slated for employee compensation to help recruit and retain staff. The rest would support school safety, fine and performing arts, career and technical education, and early childhood education. Residents will see the question again in 2030, when they can vote to extend the funding or let it expire.