Shelby County officials moved Wednesday to send to the full commission, without recommendation, a budget amendment to transfer $28,800 from the County Clerk's operating fund to Public Works to pay outstanding Millington lease obligations.

Clerk staff told the committee they had occupied a Millington site for years but were not invited to earlier lease discussions, and later learned a landlord expected payment. Deputy CAO Dr. Lasonya Harris Hall, land bank staff, and the county attorney outlined a multi-year timeline of negotiations involving the land bank and the city of Millington. County Attorney Megan Smith confirmed the county previously approved a lease agreement that had not been paid; the current item covers back rent through December 2025.

Commissioners and clerk staff raised concerns about communication breakdowns and asked administration and land-bank staff to meet with the clerk to align operations and determine any additional payments required for FY26. CAO staff said the $28,800 would cover arrears through December; additional invoices for January and beyond would arrive and require further decisions. Commissioner Ford moved to send the item down without committee recommendation to allow five days for departmental coordination and to permit a larger adjustment on Monday if necessary; the motion was accepted without objection.

Clerk staff requested a broader review of how leases for elected offices are negotiated and called for better inclusion in future site-selection decisions. Commissioners asked that staff deliver a clear accounting of outstanding lease obligations and a plan for future months before the full commission votes.