With an April 15 vote approaching, commissioners are divided over how a potential stadium would be funded and how much the public should see.
TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County commissioners are clashing over transparency and funding as they work toward a possible deal to bring a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium to the area.
With the clock ticking toward a potential April 15 vote and pressure to stay on track for a 2029 opening day, key questions remain unanswered.
“I guess on this one guys, I’m like: what are we doing at this point? What is happening?” Commissioner Joshua Wostal said.
One of the biggest sticking points is how the project would be paid for, specifically whether Community Investment Tax (CIT) dollars would come from a projected surplus or existing revenue already designated for infrastructure.
“Are we still only negotiating of the alleged excess of the CIT or are they now negotiating of existing CIT dollars that were approved?” Wostal said.
County staff did not draw a clear distinction, saying multiple options are still being considered.
“We are considering any and all creative revenue sources,” County Administrator Bonnie Wise said.
At the same time, commissioners pushed for more transparency into the process. But county leaders say there’s little to release at this point.
“The county has not received any draft documents,” County Attorney Julia Mandell said.
That response drew sharp criticism from Wostal.
“If this board doesn’t want the public to see how we’re spending their money then shame on us,” he said.
Other commissioners warned that releasing details too early could hurt negotiations.
“There’s a necessary balance between transparency and the county’s ability to negotiate responsibly and effectively on behalf of the taxpayers,” Commissioner Christine Miller said.
In the end, commissioners voted to hold a public workshop once a full proposal is ready. That meeting would allow for a detailed presentation, questions from commissioners and a separate opportunity for public comment before any final vote.
They also plan to seek outside legal guidance on whether CIT dollars can be used for the project.
Commissioners acknowledged that if CIT funding is ultimately part of the deal, legal challenges are likely.