MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After a lengthy session that extended past midnight, Shelby County Commissioners have approved a new county budget that includes a consistent property tax rate, 6% increased pay for county employees, and the retention of several positions in the Sheriff’s department. This endorsement served as a significant victory for Sheriff Floyd Bonner, who fought a vigorous campaign to save these posts.
Initially, under Mayor Lee Harris’ proposal, the budget suggested slashing 441 vacancies from the Sheriff’s office that had remained unfilled for over a year. Sheriff Bonner, however, was prepared for a legal confrontation over this matter, arguing that a state law prevented such budget cuts to the Sheriff’s office. He had assembled a legal team and was ready to take the issue to court.
In the words of Bonner, “I was very serious about suing. We had our attorney. We had everything lined up. The state law requires, in other words, the state law says that the sheriff’s budget cannot be cut.”
The new county budget involved difficult choices as the county balanced increased spending on schools and the rebuilding of the Regional One hospital against the desirability of avoiding a property tax increase. The property tax rate remains unaltered at $3.39 per $100 of assessed value. However, Sheriff Bonner was unwavering in his stance on maintaining public safety.
According to Bonner, more potential employees are applying for positions within the sheriff’s office. “We started a new jail class this morning with 22. We’re starting to see numbers that we hadn’t seen in years,” he said. “We are hiring as quickly and best as we can. Things are really going well.”
Commissioner Mick Wright pushed through several cuts, including eliminating funding for the county clerk’s office in Poplar Plaza, which was closed following the eviction of the county clerk. However, amid the significant decisions, the headline news is the protection of the sheriff’s office positions. The fiscal year 2025 budget takes effect on July 1.
Transforming Memphis Through Community Gardening Memphis, Tennessee, is home to a wealth of community-driven initiatives,…
Memphis Under the Spotlight: Recent Events Stir the Community Hey there, Memphis! As we soak…
Welcome to the Heart of Hospitality: Memphis When you think of Memphis, what comes to…
Exciting News for Memphis: Smalls Sliders is Coming to Town! Hey there, Memphis! Get ready…
Lockdown Day in Memphis: Schools Take Precaution Amid Threats Memphis, Tennessee – What started as…
Memphis: A Flourishing Hub for Young Professionals Welcome to Memphis, a city that pulses with…