Tax-Neutral Referendum
Questions/Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the CCPS Tax-Neutral Referendum, please send us an email.
Referendum History
Collier County voters have strongly supported past tax-neutral referendums proposed by Collier County Public Schools.
2024
Referendum renewed.
- 84.7% voted YES
- 15.3% voted NO
2020
Referendum renewed.
- 79.3% voted YES
- 20.7% voted NO
2012
Referendum renewed.
- 79.82% voted YES
- 20.17% voted NO
2008
Referendum approved by Collier County voters.
- 78.66% voted YES
- 21.34% voted NO
ELECTION RESULTS (November 5, 2024)
The Collier County Public Schools Tax-Neutral Referendum received nearly 85% voter approval in the 2024 General Elections.
This four-year referendum begins July 2025
The Facts
WHAT IS THE TAX-NEUTRAL REFERENDUM?
Collier County Public Schools' Tax-Neutral Referendum requests that voters allow the school district to reduce up to .35 mill in capital taxes and increase up to .35 mill in operating taxes.
There is NO EXTRA COST to taxpayers with this referendum, while allowing for local control over spending.
WHY DOES THE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEED A VOTE?
Public schools are funded by local, state, and federal tax dollars. There are two types of funding "buckets" available: capital and operating.
Capital Funds pay for facilities, building maintenance, equipment, and debt payments.
Operating Funds pay for staff (including teachers, office support, bus drivers, etc.), utilities, special programs, athletics, and more.
Both types of funding "buckets" are governed by state statute (law). One "bucket" of funds cannot be used to pay expenses from the other bucket. For example, funds that are used for facilities, equipment, and busses cannot be used to pay teacher salaries or fund programs.
In order to have the flexibility of moving funds from one "bucket" to the other, a public vote is required through a referendum.