Last week Memphis Mayor Paul Young presented to the Memphis City Council his first budget proposal, which asked for a 75-cent property tax increase. The tax increase — a 28% bump that would equate to about $188 more per year for a $100,000 homeowner — would mostly cover a budget shortfall and pay raises for city employees. But if the council fully funds Young’s increase, there would be money for litter cleanup ($8 million), youth programs ($5 million), early childhood care ($2 million) and more financial support for MATA ($5 million). The Daily Memphian’s Bill Dries and Samuel Hardiman detailed the budget proposal as well as what stands in its way.

The Tennessee General Assembly wrapped up its 2025 legislative session last week with some notable new laws, including a bill to allow teachers and staffers to carry concealed guns inside schools. A statewide private school voucher program, which was a top priority for Gov. Bill Lee, did not pass this year but is likely to reappear in 2025. The legislators also stripped two judgeships from Shelby County and reallocated them to other parts of the state; removed a magistrate’s consideration of a defendant’s ability to pay from the initial bail process; approved a measure that would allow judges to fine parents up to $1,000 if their child commits a second criminal act; and provided $1.9 billion in franchise tax breaks and refunds for businesses operating in the state. 

— Metro editor Jane Donahoe

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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.

How do Memphians feel about raising taxes? Poll offers clues By Samuel Hardiman

One reason Memphis can't touch its rainy day fund: pending lawsuits By Samuel Hardiman

Tennessee Legislature to remove two local judgeships By Aarron Fleming

Chief Davis says federal charges possible in Orange Mound shooting By Bill Dries

TN House passes bill allowing armed teachers year after Nashville shooting By The Associated Press, Jody Callahan

Feagins: Teachers are asking for books and tech, not guns By Jody Callahan

State legislative session ends, with changes to bail, biz taxes and barbecue By Jody Callahan

Suburban schools push back on arming teachers By Abigail Warren

Chucalissa's link to slavery and Reconstruction resurfaces By Bill Dries

Orange Mound's Reconstruction history comes into focus By Bill Dries

County Commissioner calls for resignation of General Sessions judge By Bill Dries

TBI identifies man shot by sheriff's deputies By Julia Baker

Mississippi River cobblestone landing project resumes this summer By Bill Dries

Memphis Police Association sues city, deepening rift By Samuel Hardiman

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