In this issue
- Budget approved
- Unfinished business
- Memphis First
Budget approved
How about some good news? No county property tax rate increase.
For the 12th consecutive year, spanning three reappraisal cycles, Shelby County government has adopted a property tax rate that is less than or equal to the state certified or recapture rate.
It was no sure thing this year. Commissioners had to navigate around $120 million worth of unfunded budget amendment proposals and identify more than $20 million in spending cuts. Even after passing a balanced budget, we had to defeat four separate attempts to raise the rate, two of which came within a single vote of passing.
Then, a week later, we also had to re-open the budget and restructure the spending cuts. The county attorney’s office told us changes were needed to satisfy the terms of a new state law that protects the mayor’s office from unapproved reductions.
The new county property tax rate is $2.69 (a fraction less than the $2.6933 state-certified rate), which down from $3.39 the last three years.
Unfinished business
As pictured above, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office recently joined us in committee to share the results of a new jail needs assessment.
Creating an infrastructure plan that includes the jail is one of several items left on my to-do list as I enter my last year of service on the Board of Commissioners.
For the year ahead, here’s the work I’m focused on.
Memphis First
The jail and other intense infrastructure needs we face in Shelby County were top of mind when Memphis recently returned to the national headlines.
Memphis was identified as the “homicide capital of America” by FBI Director Kash Patel, who announced a federal task force would be deployed here. Certain people took offense, but I welcome any help Washington, D.C. has to offer.
My response was to draft a resolution identifying the unmet infrastructure needs we face over the next 20 years and asking that the federal government consider Memphis First anytime an opportunity presents itself.
The resolution passed 9-0. That will probably be the end of the story… unless we create a new movement focused on facing, and solving, our biggest challenges.
Upcoming meetings
July 23 — Standing Committees, 8:30 a.m.
July 28 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Stay in touch
If you have a question or concern, email me at mick.wright@shelbycountytn.gov.
You can speak with the Commission office by calling 901-222-1000.
I welcome your feedback on Facebook @CommissionerMickWright and X @mickwright.
Thanks for reading.
Mick Wright
Shelby County Commission – District 3