Lake County voters will decide in November 2026 whether to increase an existing school property tax that helps pay for school safety, student mental health services and teacher compensation.
The proposal would raise the current 0.75-mill property tax to 1 mill for four years. The current tax is set to expire in June 2027. If voters approve the measure, the higher rate would begin in July 2027.
[WATCH: Property tax amendment on November ballot]
Lake County residents shared mixed reactions Saturday at the Mount Dora Farmers Market, with some saying they support more funding for schools but worry about rising costs.
“Well, I would be willing to pay more for schooling,” said Katrina Atta, who has lived in Lake County for almost eight years. “I do think right now it’s just a hard time in the economy for everybody.”
Atta said many residents and businesses are already dealing with higher prices for basic needs.
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“I think a lot of people are going to be very saddened by the news of having to pay more,” she said. “But I think everybody, no matter what, wants better schools.”
The district says the added revenue would help maintain funding for school safety and mental health services while also helping attract and retain teachers through better pay.
For homeowners, the cost would depend on a property’s taxable value. The district says a home assessed at $250,000 would pay about $4.70 more per month, or about $56 more per year.
Other residents said they are not convinced.
“So I’m just saying no,” said a resident identified as Margaret. “And I know I have a lot of friends that are going to go yes, because they know the education system is at risk.”
Margaret said she has concerns about spending and broader growth issues in the county, including roads and construction.
The district says spending from the tax would be overseen by an independent citizens’ committee and would also require school board approval.
A yes vote on Nov. 3, 2026, would approve the higher tax for four years. A no vote would reject the increase, and the current tax would expire the following June.