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Committee advances Shelby County sales-tax referendum for new jail after testimony describing overcrowding, lawsuits
Summary
The committee approved a resolution authorizing Shelby County to put a temporary local sales-tax increase to voters to fund a new county jail. Commissioners and Shelby County officials told the panel the existing facility is overcrowded and under frequent litigation, and said the sales‑tax option avoids a property‑tax hike.
The State and Local Government Committee approved a resolution enabling Shelby County to seek voter approval of a temporary local-option sales-tax increase to fund construction of a new county jail.
Under Senate Bill 337, Shelby County would be authorized by state law to adopt, by local resolution and public referendum, a temporary sales-tax increase whose revenue would be dedicated to construction of a new jail or to pay debt service on such a project for a period of eight years or until the debt is repaid.
Shelby County Commissioner Amber Mills, speaking for the county commission,…
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