A new poll shows a majority of Hillsborough County voters support a sales tax hike where money raised from it would go towards transportation improvements, and on Wednesday, Hillsborough County Commissioners will vote on the proposed tax.
If approved, it will go to voters on November’s ballot.
Bay News 9 talked to Hillsborough County residents, and the general consensus is that the tax is necessary, and they’ll support paying it if they actually see noticeable improvements on county roads. The poll, conducted by the Tampa-based Mercury firm, indicates a total of 66 percent of those surveyed said they would either “definitely” or “probably” vote for the tax.
When driving around Hillsborough County, “Under Construction” signs and bumper to bumper traffic is becoming the norm.
“Pretty congested. You have to pre-plan it before you get anywhere,” said Heribertl Ruiz, a Hillsborough County resident.
Local authorities want to make it better. Over the last year, they formed TED, the Transportation Economic Development initiative. It’s made up of mayors, commissioners, and transportation officials.
Over the last year, TED has held dozens of meetings, not only with each other, but also with Hillsborough County residents, and the group has come to the conclusion that Hillsborough’s transportation system needs to catch up with its population, and the added half cent sales tax is what authorities say is needed to get the job done.
“I think it would be ok as long as that’s what they use the money for and they get it done. Officially get it done,” said Dominique Parise, Hillsborough County resident.
Other Hillsborough County residents agree, saying they see a lot of construction, but not a lot of improvements. They say if commissioners do approve to put the tax on the ballot in November, they can support it, but only if they see results.
“It seems like for years, and years, and years they’re always making these suggestions for what they can do to ease the traffic and stuff, it seems like they haven’t accomplished that much, and yet they want these added taxes, which would be fine and dandy if something ever comes of this,” said Lavonne Carroll, Hillsborough County residents.
Hillsborough County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Wednesday evening at the All Peoples Life Center. It starts at 6pm, and they plan on taking public comment prior to voting on the half cent tax.