The Memphis City Council Chair's Recap for April 24, 2018

Good morning,

 

Memphis City Council had a productive day today. To see what happened, click here. Also, if any nonprofit is interested in applying for the Memphis City Council Community Grant, the application is up on our website until May 4^th.

 

Mayor’s Proposed Budget – Mayor Jim Strickland presented his proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year. In the budget, Mayor Strickland recommended a new tax rate of $3.19. The budget would allow for an increase in Police Service Technicians, $19 million for street paving, and for additional MPD and MFD personnel. We look forward to working with the Mayor to approve a budget that is great for all Memphis citizens as we begin budget hearings on May 2^nd.

 

Referendum Proposed - Councilman Jones introduced a referendum ordinance today in the Budget Committee that, if approved, would put a question on the November ballot. Voters would decide whether the City Council should approve contracts with the City over $250,000. Currently, the Mayor solely approves all contracts.

 

Raising Memphis City Government Employees Minimum Wage - Councilman Ford’s resolution to raise the minimum base wage of City of Memphis employees to $15.50 per hour passed during the full council meeting tonight. The Council will work with the administration to determine how those full-time employees making below $32,240 can be increased.

 

Saving Lives - The Memphis Fire Department and the Memphis Police Department accepted a donation of Narcon Nasal Spray valued at $484,975 from Cardinal Health to be used by EMS for treatment during an opioid emergency. Thank you Cardinal Health for your contribution!

 

New Neighborhood Skycop Cameras - Three neighborhoods donated funding to provide Skycop cameras in their neighborhoods. If your neighborhood is interested in purchasing cameras, check out the neighborhood watch grant program here. There may be funds available to help.

 

MFD MLK50 Planning Team - The Planning team from MFD responsible for logistics and planning during MLK50 was recognized by Chief Gina Sweat during the Public Safety Committee. The MFD Planning team worked with more than 40 organizations to implement safety plans for all MLK50 events. Division Chief Angie Sullivan, manager Rick Keith, Battalion Chief Debbie Patterson, Battalion Chief Markus Smith, and Driver Greg Waymon were recognized. Thank you for all of your planning!

 

 

 

Reducing Animal Services Adoption Fees - Memphis Animal Services accepted a $30,000 grant from Best Friends Animal Society to reduce adoption fees for at least 857 dogs over 25 pounds.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Take care.

B.B.