Overview
- Hillsborough County holds a public workshop Thursday afternoon to review the Rays’ funding pitch and the county’s risk analysis.
- The ask totals about $926 million from county and city sources, including $702 million from the county and $224 million from Tampa, which leaves roughly a $75 million gap.
- Staff now model 3.7% yearly growth for the Community Investment Tax, a half‑cent sales tax, citing an expected 8% revenue drop next year after the state ends sales tax on commercial leases.
- The county’s bond counsel says a publicly owned ballpark qualifies for CIT funding as a recreational facility, while opponents warn they will sue over what they call a misuse of voter‑approved funds.
- In a letter, CEO Ken Babby warned that missing the June 1 deadline could cost state money for the Hillsborough Community College rebuild and push the team to consider other options, with local votes expected in early May and a 2029 opening target at risk.