[{"_1":2,"_106":-5,"_107":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84,96],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6658418,"mediaKeyId","5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b","parentId",5020081,"title","Shelby County commissioners debate certified tax rate, public-notice rules and budget amendments; tax-rate ordinance tabled","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4002000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b&start=4002&end=4002","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b/thumbnail_4002000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6658418/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Shelby-County-commissioners-debate-certified-tax-rate-public-notice-rules-and-budget-amendments-tax-rate-ordinance-tabled","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658418-14cdfab471f76a36ceb85fc2098f29e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117199&Signature=cdj-ak~vvM0I7nDGAf5sCpcWSpw1HlXB7YxV3ONmhn96FLhrYSHpZD2gCKHZ6zDB4f4Gz4YIcujMp56WL0wyuWywC4Cai4~JGlZzMutNFhjXOm1RQdZaE2hG-4kVdRr9tyOQJzej7TQddJZtKPMmZyWnYu2mboI-06fKKO1D7mljqpiWte0SyoeS513XjIcC6Zb2q3Jmy9GvD~OaSFT9zsGKsxbbPkkcLCE1Dxyv7IcOcGqpsbzVcxUNagbx2sDtxaCQseweDR2mA2XzptaBYk93jU7hTsRJ-jkCIQF-BFNrYei0lRdNGGhv~6C8-VKNAyuSpIcJ78H94R~Ns1~OpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Shelby County, TN","date","2025-06-18T00:00:00Z","article","During committee on Tuesday, Shelby County elected officials discussed the tax-rate ordinance for fiscal year 2026, procedural requirements tied to the certified tax rate, and the scale of amendments proposed to the mayor's budget.

Deputy CFO Michael Thompson told the committee that the certified tax rate is 2.6933 per the information he had available and said the normal process is to read the certified-tax-rate resolution and then insert that rate into the tax-rate ordinance. \"The certified tax rate is set at 2.6933,\" Thompson said.

Commissioners discussed budget shortfalls and amendments. Commissioner Erica Sugarman asked for the total dollar amount of amendments the commission had proposed; later in the meeting she and others cited a running total of $126,149,320 in proposed amendments. Sugarman noted that, based on the county's taxable base, that sum would equate to roughly a 39-cent increase in the property tax rate if the commission wanted to fund all amendments rather than cutting items.

County Trustee Regina Newman said her forecast—based on the certified rate and adjustments including assessor appeals allowances—eliminated a previously cited $9.5 million gap and produced revised revenue numbers; she provided a forecast figure in the meeting record that staff said would be used for deliberations.

County Attorney Marcy Ingram advised the body about public-notice obligations if the commission votes to set a tax rate above the certified rate: \"If the body exceeds the certified tax rate, you just have to provide the public with notice of that... and the mayor would send an affidavit of publication to the state within 30 days,\" she said, adding that the agenda publication schedule would permit a hearing on Monday if the number were filled in and published on Friday. She recommended, if a rate change is made on Monday, that the commission consider a special-call meeting or a fourth reading to ensure compliance with state law and adequate notice.

Procedurally, members moved and then withdrew motions related to filling the tax-rate blank so the committee could take up a separate certified-tax-rate resolution. Ultimately the committee tabled the third-reading ordinance (item 1 on the committee agenda) so staff could first present the certified-tax-rate resolution and related materials; members also noted continuing technology problems with the committee's electronic voting system that prompted voice votes on other items earlier in the meeting.

Ending: The committee did not adopt a new tax rate on Tuesday; commissioners deferred further action pending reading of the certified-tax-rate resolution, updated revenue forecasts from the trustee and additional deliberations on amendments and their funding implications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Shelby County, TN - --> Committee Meeting for June 18, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners discussed the certified tax rate (stated at 2.6933), pending budget amendments and public-notice requirements if the commission exceeds the certified rate. The committee tabled the third-reading tax-rate ordinance and moved to handle a separate tax-rate resolution before resuming.","taxTitle","Shelby County, Tennessee","taxId",19114,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6658421,"First State Memphis reports strong Pre-K enrollment and seeks increased county funding",1903000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b&start=1903&end=1903","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b/thumbnail_1903000.jpg","/articles/6658421/Shelby-County/Tennessee/First-State-Memphis-reports-strong-Pre-K-enrollment-and-seeks-increased-county-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658421-2cd774af004ccfc774a33b26e6fd1b78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117199&Signature=F533xC838UmSbfG7nrYdp7p7qZRvfuCU9JhEWfZ1FYUK-na72On9VwxdsVx3AhO-wNtRQpSrIbTG4gQIJT4Zh-OiMwOUBmnJftSXlc5JQoLGy3rM6bEIbjbJkzL~3aY9uKTn5PiCS~TGHGiGe5873VY-zBKSk1qBe53kFMCKkvDR-sUcL27OG5zReMSMz7x2Kv3jLr2zd~gHDXKZj8A34xbUWoTyq-sQj1nHOJVeZIRiFBslWBpG~LVpw97Xm6o38QYREor64Qhikd4nUXbfocSndmD19jTOZXU71Dxn9Maj7JUXzkf1d-MDHfi3LWFLWwzAHh6e-0KkcfZT6IEPKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Candace Thomas presented an annual report for the 2023–24 school year and a quarter-2 update for the current school year on the county-supported Pre-K program. The presentation highlighted enrollment, attendance, instructional coaching for teachers and family engagement outcomes.

For 2023–24, the report listed 15 Pre-K operators (including Memphis Shelby County Schools and Bartlett City Schools) and a 94% enrollment rate for the year. The report said 87% of students met an attendance threshold (students attending 80% or more days), that 100% of teachers received monthly one-on-one instructional coaching, and that 62% of students outperformed peers on a seven-domain assessment. The presentation reported that 58% of participating children scored as \"kindergarten ready\" on the Brigance assessment.

For the current school year (quarter 2, covering Oct. 14–Dec. 20), staff said enrollment was about 93% and that 92% of students met the quarter's attendance goal. Dr. Thomas described that 91% of early-head-start classrooms were at capacity in quarter 2 and that 95% of those children were up to date on preventive and primary care.

County investments and budget requests were included: the county commission provided $9.5 million for the current fiscal school year and First State Memphis is asking for $11.5 million for the next school year to expand classrooms and the number of children served. Dr. Thomas described other county early-childhood investments—the county's early-head-start match ($500,000) and NextMemphis ($500,000)—and said Early Head Start's total federal allocation for the area is about $7.2 million. She added that First State Memphis did not apply to be a Head Start operator in a current recompetition and said the Head Start award decision is expected near-term.

Commissioners praised enrollment gains and discussed next steps. Commissioner Sugarman urged collaboration with the city council so municipal budget action will align with the county's investments. Commissioner Wright asked about the Head Start recompetition; Dr. Thomas said four applicants had applied locally and the federal Department of Health and Human Services will select the awardee. Commissioner Mills requested copies of state certification letters related to the tax rate later in the meeting; Dr. Thomas's presentation did not address that administrative item.

Ending: The committee accepted the presentation; staff said they will continue quarterly reporting and that additional budget details for the county's $11.5 million request will be provided in the fall as fiscal numbers are finalized.","First State Memphis presented an annual and quarter-2 report showing strong enrollment and kindergarten-readiness gains; the county-funded Pre-K program served children across Shelby County and staff requested $11.5 million for the next school year, up from $9.5 million.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":87,"_43":88,"_45":89,"_46":90,"_48":91,"_50":92,"_52":93,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":94,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":95,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6658424,"Shelby County staff give construction update on Mental Health Safety and Justice Center; questions remain on operations",137,515000,652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b&start=515&end=652","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b/thumbnail_515000.jpg","/articles/6658424/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Shelby-County-staff-give-construction-update-on-Mental-Health-Safety-and-Justice-Center-questions-remain-on-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658424-2a77bac58d99e1723ee330e053752f64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117199&Signature=ogEc4y3wwwer5yoxfdmz8zK0o9rkP1kfCvm0yEhNQbQUZHCfVfg6L-oBPPQRSF4B2rrTW7ciZ8a22qVPgAATfneIuhKBHv5JLz-imzcs9c9EM1qFZoxHIgtIZX~PnNUr7SkBhUdgeelDzKbgvy90FRDhmh-SORKJBuRpb8DNM9G0VJMmvl9V7qnJJr4Qa9Qar5uVLtJUyl4FDgQphGcIrTwy5Px2OtM3AuGFHTwL2bhRZvMQ1DB6~YVKvoQf0QhxBvDTHclibauRbP1ImK~I1C-tNBxpZvupAfHTWfHqt~oaJ9JsoWKHJzfKQveXwmsEZynvcfYWpuCwCJSik~C5dA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shelby County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Dorcas Young Griffin and Public Works Director Cliff Norville told commissioners on Tuesday that the Shelby County Mental Health Safety and Justice Center project is moving into early construction activity, but county leaders do not yet have a finalized plan for operating the facility once built.

Young Griffin said the project has a history of previous commission actions: two resolutions for initial design funding (one cited as December 2023 for $2,500,000), a design consultant contract with A2H passed in August 2024 for $1,700,000, and a construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) contract with Flynn Co. for roughly $18,600,000 approved in November 2024. \"We have been meeting regularly... project stakeholders [include] the CAO's office, public works, community services, the public defender and corrections,\" Young Griffin said.

Public Works Director Cliff Norville reviewed planned site work and building design details. He said construction documents are about 30% complete and that an early-release package for earthwork, storm drainage and erosion control had been issued; the CMAR would enlist subcontractors and ABES was identified on the project for earthwork. Norville said the site has utility lines that affected placement and that a building identified as the \"Z Building\" was scheduled for demolition. \"The wrecking ball is supposed to show up... and so that will be leveled,\" he said.

Norville described the building layout as three major areas: a public north entry with administrative offices and attorney spaces; a mechanical/electrical/HVAC core; and residential treatment pods. \"As we said when we originally began this project, we were targeting 60 beds,\" Norville said, adding that the design counts individual bedrooms for 60 beds, with some double-occupancy rooms and pods housing 14 or 16 individuals. The design includes day rooms, an exterior courtyard between pods, multi-use treatment rooms and attorney-consult rooms in the center of the facility.

On schedule, staff said an initial earthwork early-release package issued last week; another early-release package for concrete, steel and infrastructure is expected toward July, with a 100% construction-document deliverable in September 2025. Construction is scheduled to run from July 2025 to near the end of fiscal 2026 with substantial completion target of December 2026.

Several commissioners asked about stakeholder involvement and operating costs. Commissioner Sugarman pressed for continued commissioner participation in groundbreakings and requested that specialty-court judges be included in design discussions; Young Griffin said judges were not part of the design because the facility is intended to divert pre-adjudication individuals and that judges have not been at the table but said commissioners and the sheriff had been included. On operational funding, Young Griffin said the county has not yet determined annual operating costs: \"I can't answer the question of how much it will cost,\" she said. She noted most capital funding for the project is ARPA dollars and said discussions about operations would follow capital work.

Commissioner Mills asked whether a mental-health clinician had been involved; Young Griffin said the division of community services' behavioral health unit, including Tiffany Hilson (deputy administrator and clinician), participated in planning.

The presentation closed with staff inviting commissioners to future updates; Commissioner Wright asked staff to return in August or September with more information on likely operating costs. Ending: County staff reported demolition and early-site work will begin imminently and delivered a design and schedule update; they committed to return with further operational details in follow-up briefings.","County officials reported that design and early construction work is underway for a 60-bed Shelby County Mental Health Safety and Justice Center; stakeholders, schedule and funding sources were described, but operational costs and some stakeholder involvement (judiciary, treatment partners) remain unresolved.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":42,"_43":99,"_45":99,"_46":100,"_48":101,"_50":102,"_52":103,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":104,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":105,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6658429,"Shelby County committee backs emergency HVAC contract for General Sessions 7 courtroom",221000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b&start=221&end=221","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5020081-74608eaee38f24032802bc2396af968b/thumbnail_221000.jpg","/articles/6658429/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Shelby-County-committee-backs-emergency-HVAC-contract-for-General-Sessions-7-courtroom","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658429-3cb2a15e3e679e8c7843b3606c854b7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117199&Signature=Eu~qKYX63cg2yI50YNVyW67Ft6O8wxuDtqW46sd9apkbpjYbJzqUc1vKgwbNChE4dalIjfoAN-XJ0rvdXZixQZs6ATBXuAJJIDlSDAfnInquPWOAiKgxfpGgo2AWwRtMsIpz-emRpIRaChFcclZHzZMN8i54pzpexQMF3KmGgCu9FjDyLezMhq4AJxig6L9R-uNTJZh38vWefg38E0bIZNuDweFDUHSxxGwOmYxDEM30iVatHLcmazMBs1wHqOAVqBe~FOg1K1fnyuCpauYIzdpIFfUJyvAiZQb0XDYVOTDaRJnNZZUVuTG4B7Qzo1vXFBg1x13kMnkaQM4-HXEmiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Shelby County committee on Tuesday recommended approval of a resolution authorizing an emergency purchase order and contract with CS 3 Inc. to restore an air-handling unit and install necessary parts in General Sessions 7 courtroom at the Walter L. Bailey Jr. Criminal Justice Center (201 Poplar Avenue).

The item, sponsored by Commissioner David C. Bradford Jr., was presented by Nicole Austin, administrative support services. Austin said the existing HVAC system failed in early April and county purchasing used an emergency procurement to order and install parts so air circulation in the courtroom could be restored. \"They have been ordered and installed and the air has been reestablished within this courtroom,\" Austin said.

The resolution as read to the committee described a contract amount \"not to exceed\" figures that differed in the transcript record: an initial speaker said \"$60,232\" and later the item was described as requiring FY2025 general-fund appropriation \"in an amount not to exceed $63,232.\" Austin confirmed the vendor is local to Shelby County.

Commissioner Bradford moved the resolution; Commissioner Morrison provided a verbal second. Because the committee's electronic voting system experienced technical problems, the committee chair conducted a voice vote. \"All commissioners in favor of this item, please signify by saying 'Aye.' Any opposed? Alright. The ayes have it. This will go down with a favorable recommendation,\" the chair said.

Clerks and staff said the parts have been installed and the county is now seeking formal accounting and appropriation for the emergency procurement.

The committee did not provide a roll-call tally on the record; the item will proceed with a favorable recommendation to the next stage of review for formal appropriation and contracting.

Ending: The committee recorded a favorable recommendation and moved on to the next agenda items. County staff said they will provide usual documentation for the purchase order and appropriation once the committee vote is recorded.","A Shelby County committee recommended approving an emergency purchase order and contract with CS 3 Inc. to restore the HVAC handling unit in General Sessions 7 courtroom at the Walter L. Bailey Jr. Criminal Justice Center; committee recorded a favorable recommendation after a voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Shelby County commissioners debate certified tax rate, public-notice rules and budget amendments; tax-rate ordinance tabled

First State Memphis reports strong Pre-K enrollment and seeks increased county funding

Shelby County staff give construction update on Mental Health Safety and Justice Center; questions remain on operations

Shelby County committee backs emergency HVAC contract for General Sessions 7 courtroom