Rays stadium talks advance, but Hillsborough County commissioners clash over funding source

Commissioners agreed to continue talks with the Rays on a proposed new stadium but clashed over whether voter-approved tax dollars should be used.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla — Hillsborough County commissioners voted Wednesday to move forward with negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays over a proposed new stadium, but the discussion exposed deep divisions over how the project would be funded.

At issue is whether the county should use Community Investment Tax, or CIT, dollars to help pay for a new ballpark planned for the Hillsborough College campus. While commissioners unanimously agreed to allow staff to keep working with the team, several made clear they are far from aligned on the financing.

There have been no formal negotiations with the Rays so far, county officials said during the meeting, calling Wednesday’s vote a preliminary step in a lengthy process.

The debate quickly centered on the use of CIT funds — a voter-approved half-percent sales tax that supports infrastructure projects such as roads, public safety initiatives and schools.

Commissioner Ken Hagan, who has led efforts for years to bring the team to Tampa, said transparency required acknowledging the role CIT money would likely play.

“This agreement does not happen without CIT funding. It just doesn’t,” Hagan said.

That assertion drew sharp resistance from commissioners who argued voters never intended the tax to be used for a professional sports stadium.

“We promised everyone on the public record that the CIT numbers would be ineligible for the use of new public facilities,” Commissioner Josh Wostal said.

Other commissioners said concerns about voter intent are valid, but they should not halt discussions entirely.

“Any use of those funds must be limited and clearly justified so it does not shift resources from fire rescue, law enforcement, transportation or any other essential services,” Commissioner Chris Boles said.

CIT dollars would not be the sole funding source under any proposal, officials said. Other options discussed include the county’s tourist development tax and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) property tax increment revenue generated by new development in the Drew Park CRA and the potential extension of the CRA which expires in 2034.

Hagan told commissioners the Rays have floated a stadium cost of about $2.3 billion and the ownership will pay half, though he stressed that figure is not final. He said the ballpark would serve as the anchor for a much larger private investment.

“The ballpark is a driver for generational mixed-use development that will be funded with an overall $8 to $10 billion direct investment by the team,” Hagan said.

Commissioners ultimately voted to continue talks and directed staff to determine whether a viable financial framework can be built. Hagan warned that failing to reach an agreement could have consequences for the region.

“I honestly believe that if we cannot work out an agreement, the team will relocate with Orlando being the likely place,” he said.

The next step will be an independent economic study, followed by development of a potential financial framework and term sheet that could be presented to the County Commission within 90 days.

Any stadium deal would still require approval from the Hillsborough County Commission, the Tampa City Council and the Tampa Sports Authority.