Shelby County

The meeting served as the kickoff for the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget planning, focusing initially on revenues and fund alignment. Key discussion points included analyzing revenue collections, the importance of replenishing the fund balance due to uneven revenue flows, and ensuring budget sustainability for future terms. A concept for an Innovation Impact Fund, designed to strategically support community initiatives with proven returns on investment, was introduced for consideration. The agenda also outlined the budget development calendar, including dates for standard budget hearings with county departments and public budget meetings for community feedback, with the final budget approval targeted for June 15th.

The meeting commenced with a call to order, invocation, and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included an update on the COVID-19 Pandemic presented by the Director of the Shelby County Health Department, followed by public comments. The agenda featured several resolutions under the consent agenda, such as honoring the retirement of Ms. Debra R. Gates. Under reports and resolutions, the Commission received and filed the September 2020 Monthly Comprehensive Financial update report. Several resolutions requiring appropriation and expenditure were considered, including funding for grass cutting and debris removal in certain Memphis cemeteries, engaging Griffin & Strong, P.C. for a disparity study on procurement diversity, transferring CARES Act Funds for COVID-19 related costs, amending the grant budget for the Health Department's PAMS program and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, authorizing the retirement of a Corrections K-9 Officer, funding for the renovation of a Corrections Training Academy, and purchasing uniforms and PT gear for the Sheriff's Office. Other items included the election of Notaries Public, appointments to the Countywide Juvenile Justice Consortium, a resolution on employee indemnification in civil litigation, and receiving and filing the First Quarter Reports for the County Trustee, County Government, and Board of Education for the year ending June 30, 2021.

The meeting addressed several resolutions under the Consent Agenda. Key discussions included the approval of a resolution for the purchase of toner cartridges for various county departments, estimated at $379,538.12. Another resolution approved contracts up to $871,791.61 for network access and supporting equipment as part of a server upgrade project. The Commissioners also considered a resolution to adopt a Funding Policy for the Shelby County, Tennessee Retirement System and a resolution establishing guidelines for disbursing County Funds to Non-Profit Civic and Charitable Organizations. Furthermore, resolutions were presented for Capital Improvement Budget amendments, including architectural design services for roof replacement at 157 Poplar Avenue ($14,500.00), construction services for exterior identification signage at the Peggy Edmiston Administration Building ($60,000.00), and construction services for an underground cooling loop in the Downtown area ($2,297,350.00). The agenda also involved approving architectural and engineering services for the renovation of the Criminal Justice Center. Additionally, nominations for appointments to the Shelby County Public Records Commission and the Shelby County Historical Commission were presented, along with initiating a request for qualifications for State and/or Federal Lobbyist Services. Resolutions regarding the conveyance of County-owned Delinquent Tax Property and properties scheduled for tax sale were also addressed.

This document, an interview with Shelby County Commissioner Michael Lowery, discusses the county's strategic goals and recent achievements. Key initiatives include the historic funding for Regional One hospital to enhance healthcare and economic impact, a pledge to increase participation of black-owned businesses in contracting, and the construction of two new schools. The plan also addresses crime reduction through a holistic approach focusing on youth internships and judicial system improvements. Additionally, future cultural projects are highlighted, particularly the development of a hip-hop museum in Memphis to celebrate its music industry and drive community development.

The meeting agenda featured the Consent Agenda which included the presentation by Angea Stewart-Woods and resolutions honoring Clay Perry as the National Organization of Black County Officials, Inc., 2017 Administrator of the Year and a special resolution honoring Students Uniting Memphis. Discussions under Zoning and Subdivisions included remarks from Judge Gina Higgins, Judge Betty Thomas-Moore, and several Commissioners, as well as a representative from Allied Universal. Reports and Resolutions for Standing Committees involved multiple items, such as approving a four-year lease agreement with Hickory Ridge Mall C.D. Corporation for office space, approving a contract with Cbiz Security & Advisory Services, LLC for PCI compliance audit services, receiving and filing a debt obligation report, approving the purchase of disposable bags and liners, approving the Shelby County Assessor's 2021 Four-year Reappraisal Plan, amending the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Budget for a new office/storage building at the New County Cemetery, amending the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Program Budget for professional engineering services for a chiller plant replacement at Juvenile Court, amending the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Budget for HVAC retrofit and replacement for Agricenter International, approving a contract with Shelby Electric Company, Inc. for a new traffic signal system for the Congestion Management Air Quality Program, and other budget amendments.