The trust fund for city and county property taxes earmarked for the redevelopment area cleared the first of three votes before the Shelby County Commission.

The funding is for a marketing firm to work with the Election Commission to not only explain the new voting system to voters, but also chart the areas of low voter turnout across the county.

A new ordinance gives the appointment of a chief ethics officer to the county mayor, to be voted on by the County Commission. The county attorney’s office will still have some input.

County chief administrative officer Harold Collins says the office is fully equipped, but Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert says the office won’t open until early December, missing a deadline set by Shelby County commissioners. 

The Monday, Oct. 31, commission meeting sees a final vote on a change to how a county ethics officers is chosen. So far, there has been little public discussion by the body of the measure.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said the grant from the county’s reserve fund is likely the first of several for a full restoration of the 137-year old church.

The county’s early voter total through the first four days of the period is tops in the state. 

The Shelby County Commission elected in August is taking its first swing at enduring problems in the Shelby County Clerk’s office. A discussion with three commissioners on “Behind The Headlines” shows a willingness to start anew on the controversy but some indications it might not last. 

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education debated a proposed policy for use of pepper spray by school security officers. Tuesday night’s meeting was the first for new board member Frank Johnson.

Lorna McClusky has nearly three decades of experience practicing criminal law, including extensive work on capital cases. 

With no discussion, the commission sent the ordinance back to committee for more discussion. Meanwhile, the commission set dates for appointing four more judicial commissioners.

The commission’s unanimous vote covers staffing, a job study and the opening of the clerk’s new Riverdale Road location by Halloween. But Clerk Wanda Halbert and County HR director Gerald Thornton clashed on some of the basic details of what the office has and what it needs. 

Related story:

County Commission delays final vote on how chief ethics officer is picked

Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon has appointed Stephen Bush, a former Shelby County Public Defender, to serve as the court’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Sugarmon also tapped a Chief of Strategy & Innovation.

Johnson won the appointment to the District 7 seat over rival contender Jason Sharif. He serves the remaining two years and three months of the term of office in the seat.

At the Monday, Oct. 17, session, commissioners will also take a final vote on a change — proposed by a commissioner who once ran afoul of an ethics investigation — to who appoints the county ethics officers.

Officials said the grant is intended to reduce maternal and infant mortality, particularly among the county’s Black population.

District Attorney General Steve Mulroy campaigned on diversifying the office. Four of the six new hires are Black.

The November ballot features four proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution, which will be presented by Shelby County’s new voting machines.

An outline for the working group that could suggest deeper changes in the boundaries of council districts ahead of the 2023 elections started to form Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Jason Martin also said he supports legalizing and taxing marijuana.

A nonbinding resolution asks the Shelby County Commission, which funds the county-owned hospital, to pressure the hospital to allow counselors to approach crime victims.

Related story:

Group Violence Intervention Program updates City Council on progress

Of the 126 individuals identified as most at-risk for gun violence since July, the program has successfully referred 12 individuals for intervention services. 

The doctors say to expect a tough winter with more flu, and a COVID wave. They suggest being vaccinated against both and, yes, they still value in wearing a mask in some situations. 

Related story:

‘Pandemic’ or ‘Endemic,’ COVID-19 isn’t going away and might pack a winter punch

As increased rainfall and repetitive flooding strain aging infrastructure in many towns, residents along the Mississippi River ask the same question: Do we pack up and move out?

Related story:

When it rains: Mississippi River basin gets wetter as climate change brings extreme rain, floods

Our climate that is growing hotter and wetter — and more prone to dumping massive rains and flash flooding on communities whose creeks, streams and drainage systems are not equipped to handle such volatile waters.