This referendum does not raise your property tax.
It does not add a new millage.
It does not create a new statewide property-tax law.
It asks voters to let Washington County School District use money the district already collects in a different way: move up to 0.75 mills out of the capital bucket and into the operating bucket so it can be used for people and school operations.
Capital down up to 0.75 mills.
Operating up up to 0.75 mills.
Same tax. Different use.
On this year’s taxable value, that shift is about $1.35 million before retirement and benefits (estimate). That figure is based on up to 0.75 mills. The district may use less.
WHAT IS THE TAX-NEUTRAL REFERENDUM?
Washington County voters will decide on November 3, 2026 whether the school district may reduce up to 0.75 mills in capital taxes and increase up to 0.75 mills in operating taxes.
If approved:
Instead of sitting in the capital bucket, those operating dollars can be used for:
The district intends this as salary on the supplement schedule, not a bonus. Salary can count toward retirement. Pay does not start on election night. The board still adopts the schedule after the vote.
WHY DOES THE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEED A VOTE?
Florida law splits school money into two buckets.
Capital funds pay for facilities, maintenance, equipment, certain technology, furniture, and similar project needs.
Operating funds pay for staff, utilities, instruction, programs, and day-to-day school operations.
One bucket cannot pay the other bucket’s bills. Capital money cannot be used for salaries unless voters approve a referendum. This is the reason this question is on the ballot.
WILL PROJECTS STILL GET FUNDED?
Yes. This vote does not erase capital work. Remaining capital sources can still fund projects, including the half-cent sales tax while it is in effect. That sales tax is a separate source and would be a separate voter question later. Recent example: the district added 6 buses to the fleet.
WHAT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT?
Title: The School Board of Washington County, Florida Ad Valorem Millage Election
Question: Beginning July 2027, for up to four years, the Washington County School Board shall be provided with tax-neutral flexible funding to reduce ad valorem taxes up to .75 mills for capital funding; and add up to .75 mills of ad valorem taxes for operating funding. This referendum will support high-quality staff and academic outcomes; all without increasing taxes.
YES FOR APPROVAL · NO FOR REJECTION
WHEN DO I VOTE?
Election Day is November 3, 2026. Check registration, early voting, vote-by-mail, and your polling place with the Washington County Supervisor of Elections.