Based on current budget projections, the Lee County School District will not call for a sales tax increase. School board members voted late Tuesday against a plan to request a half-cent sales tax hike. Had it passed, the referendum would have meant a special election in November.
The vote hinged on a recommendation by Superintendent Dr. James Browder.

“Based on the projected increases in revenue, I am not recommending—NOT recommending—that we move forward with a sales tax referendum at this time.”

Dr. Browder pointed to increased revenue from impact fees as a major factor in his decision. He stressed that conditions could change that might make a referendum necessary… including what becomes of Florida’s class size reduction amendment. School board members have asked administrators for a budget update every 6 months… to reconsider whether a referendum is needed.