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Samuel Hardiman is an enterprise and investigative reporter who focuses on local government and politics. A native Rhode Islander who lives Downtown, he enjoys tennis, golf and reading.
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With the City of Memphis looking at a proposed 28% property-tax increase and some citizens calling for the government to cut the fat instead, The Daily Memphian reviewed the city’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget.
The City of Memphis’ proposed capital-improvement budget includes issuing $17.6 million in debt over four years for the amphitheater’s renovation. A potential big-name operator could be interested, too.
High 5 would build an entertainment facility that would include a full-service restaurant and bar with bowling, video games and laser tag.
“Right now, we have a sense of urgency about what our equipment looks like in the Memphis Police Department, and how we can make sure that our officers are not outgunned as well,” Interim MPD Chief Davis said.
The Associated Press reported the DEA planned to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The move is a bureaucratic step that could open up further pathways to legalization.
The filing is another front in the deepening legal conflict over the disputed second lieutenant position.
Outside of its bond rating and requirements from the state comptroller, Memphis has another reason to keep its $100 million rainy-day fund intact: the pending civil rights lawsuit from Tyre Nichols’ family and estate.
A late 2023 poll indicates how voters felt about a tax increase as perception of crime worsened and the city geared up for a municipal-election season.
The lawsuit ─ a counterclaim filed after the city filed its lawsuit to vacate an arbitrator’s ruling ─ stems from the ongoing dispute over second lieutenants.
Tyre Nichols’ family and estate are seeking $550 million in damages in a case that follows Nichols’ beating and later death in January 2023.
The budget proposal Young brought forward Tuesday is technically three budgets: one that offers a bare-bones status quo, a middle ground and the 75-cent tax increase that Young said would provide “value” to residents. City Council votes to hire consultant for new public safety foundationRelated content:
Community leaders lament Orange Mound block party shooting
Young presented his budget propsosal including the first tax hike in more than nine years for the city Tuesday, April 23, at the top of Tuesday’s Memphis City Council meeting. Council budget deliberations begin next month.
With the passage of both bills Monday, attention can now shift to local governments receiving the needed approvals to allocate the funding.
The trial in the lawsuit between Memphis Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant and Joshua Holloway over a fight during a pickup basketball game is delayed indefinitely.
For years, Memphis officials warned of a budget hole. For years, the U.S. government papered it over. This coming fiscal year appears to be a different story.
Had Memphis received more money under the American Rescue Plan Act, Memphis Mayor Paul Young might not be facing a shortfall in his first budget, something the mayor acknowledged in an interview Friday.
Senate Bill 2711, sponsored by state Sen. Brent Taylor, was held during the Tennessee Senate’s session Wednesday morning.
News of the formal ask follows Mayor Young telling the public Tuesday that he plans to ask City Council to raise property taxes to fill what could a $30 million budget hole.
A Memphis Police officer died Friday after being shot earlier that morning, MPD Interim Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis said. An 18-year-old suspect, who had been recently arrested and released without bond, also died, Davis said. Leaders react to death of Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney Memphis Police officer killed in the line of duty: What we knowRelated stories:
The person who filed an ethics complaint against Memphis City Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas is an employee of an engineering firm working on a project the council member opposed.
Both resolutions are not binding and have little effect, but they express the body’s political will at a time when many members feel Shelby County’s autonomy is under threat from the Tennessee General Assembly.
The Memphis City Council approved $10 million from the city’s rainy day fund to fill the gap, most of which — about $9.7 million — is in the Memphis Fire Department’s budget.
A new deal has been struck to fund the FedExForum renovations, according to a draft agreement obtained The Daily Memphian.
Throughout his first 100 days, Memphis Mayor Paul Young has sought ways to get to “yes” and make Memphians feel heard by their new mayor, wielding his newfound power and spotlight to recast the city’s narrative and try to paint hope on Memphis’ self-portrait. But yes is not easy to come by. Listening takes hours that turn into days. Narratives don’t change in 90 days. Or 100. Already, circumstance has intervened.
But first, the Memphis Police Association says the city needs to demote 120-plus newly promoted second lieutenants.