Hillsborough commission to hold workshop ahead of Rays stadium vote

The Hillsborough County Commission voted to schedule a public workshop on the proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium and approved a review of whether the Community Investment Tax can be used to finance the project.

The Hillsborough County Commission voted to schedule a public workshop on a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium, after concerns were raised about transparency and the possible use of public funds. Commissioners acted amid reports that the Rays were seeking a final vote on April 15. The actions included a request for the county attorney to review whether the Community Investment Tax could be used to finance the project. The votes adjusted the commission's immediate timeline and created an opportunity for additional review. Key facts: - Commissioner Harry Cohen filed a substitute motion to schedule a workshop on the proposed ballpark; that motion passed 4-2. - Commissioners Joshua Wostal and Chris Boles voted no; Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda was absent for the vote. - Commissioner Joshua Wostal had sought release of draft documents and personal notes from county staff, the county attorney's office and the Tampa Sports Authority. - County attorney Julia Mandell and Commissioner Wostal had a brief disagreement over whether the county possesses documents that could be released. - Commissioner Gwen Myers' motion for the county attorney's office to review the language of the Community Investment Tax and whether it can be used to finance the stadium passed 5-1. Summary: The commission's votes delay an immediate decision and create additional time for public review of documents and the tax implications of the proposal. Undetermined at this time.