Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton dropped a bomb on the County Commission during his "State of the County" address Monday, January 7, 2008. He said it is time to consider consolidating with the City of Memphis.
Mayor Wharton said during his speech that the County is in a financial bind, and consolidating with the City may be the answer to the problem. He says next year's budget is short by $14 million, but the County's overall debt is $1.7 billion.
To stop the immediate financial problem, Wharton is proposing an "occupational privilege tax", which would tax all workers in Shelby County. Wharton says while this would help immediately, the long-term solution is consolidation.
"We can't cut our out way out. If we are more efficient, we can grow our way out," Wharton said.
He says he has invited all of the suburban mayors to meet with him and submit their consolidation questions and concerns. He says he supports a consolidation plan that would not affect the schools.
"If we get the schools off the table and convince the outlying areas… we can convince the outlying agencies and convince them we are not going to get rid of their boards. We may not need a change in our constitution."
Wharton also said he is not against the idea of having the voters approve a privilege tax and he wants to hear from people on the idea of consolidation.
What do you think about a consolidation between the City of Memphis and Shelby County? It's your turn to Speak Up! Memphis.
