Story perspectives

Amendment Could Slash $367 M Property Taxes, Threaten Safety

6/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

County officials warn the amendment could cut $367 million from Hillsborough’s property-tax revenue, forcing public-safety cuts.
Commissioners reviewed the amendment report on June 17.
Budget Director Tom Fesler says the loss would reduce the general fund by $213 million and the unincorporated fund by $130 million, endangering police, fire and library financing.
Republican Commissioner Joshua Wostal urged residents to view the projections skeptically, arguing they are overstated and the amendment would provide tax relief.

History

Historical Context

California’s 1978 Proposition 13, championed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and signed by Governor Jerry Brown, cut property-tax rates and forced a $7.5 billion annual county revenue drop. The 1996 follow-up, Proposition 218, added voter approval for local taxes. Today Hillsborough County warns a new amendment could shave $367 million from receipts, reviving those fiscal pressures.

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Story summary

County officials warn the amendment could cut $367 million from Hillsborough’s property-tax revenue, forcing public-safety cuts.
Commissioners reviewed the amendment report on June 17.
Budget Director Tom Fesler says the loss would reduce the general fund by $213 million and the unincorporated fund by $130 million, endangering police, fire and library financing.
Republican Commissioner Joshua Wostal urged residents to view the projections skeptically, arguing they are overstated and the amendment would provide tax relief.

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