Memphis mayor Willie Herenton has proposed a .58 property tax hike, saying the city needs the money. On a $150,000 home, you would pay around $1500 dollars, that’s up more than $200. Herenton blamed a slowing economy and rising fuel prices as part of the reason the city needs more money. Herenton said this should be what pushes Memphis and Shelby County to consolidation. The mayor’s total proposal is a budget of 595.3 million dollars and 241.3 dollars in capital improvement programs. Mayor Herenton also proposed closing nine library branches around the city but also said he’s allocated one million dollars to buy land for two future libraries. Herenton’s budget also includes 3.6 million dollars to hire 125 police officers to bring the total to 2,345. Herenton said other cities are much worse off than Memphis and are laying off employees. Herenton is proposing a 5% pay hike for city employees who haven’t had a raise for three years.
That’s a pretty big hike and has some people asking whether it’s worth living in Memphis or better to pack up and move on. Your thoughts? Stay on topic and please don’t attack each other back and forth, it’s not needed and annoying to others.
Durellesharpe@bellsouth.net you have been banned from this board due to foul and offensive language and your screen name of mayorehcrump is not allowed.
