TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hillsborough County voters narrowly decided to renew a half-cent sales tax that has been in place for nearly three decades.

The referendum was approved with a slim majority, or 51%, of residents marking yes on their ballots, with most precincts reporting. More than 300,000 people voted against renewing the tax.

The November election was the first time the Community Investment Tax (CIT) had been up for renewal since it was approved by voters in 1996.

According to officials, the majority of the fund has gone toward improving the county’s infrastructure, providing resources for first responders and aiding schools. Going forward, the fund will continue to be used for those purposes.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was one of several local leaders who had been pushing heavily for the public to vote in favor of renewing the tax.

In an interview with News Channel 8, Castor called the funding “imperative,” adding that about 20% of the CIT is paid for by tourists and people driving into Hillsborough County for work.

Voters appeared to have mixed opinions on the renewal, with some citing uncertainties about what the tax was, as well as worries about transparency in where the funds would be going.

The measure also faced a challenge with Hillsborough County residents having to decide on a school tax referendum on the same ballot.

With voters’ approval, the tax will now be renewed for another 15 years.