News Summary
Major changes are underway in Memphis as the City Council finalizes a budget with a $7 million deficit. Homeowners will see a property tax increase of 50 cents per $100 valuation. Registration fees for vehicles will double, and solid waste fees will rise by $12. These changes aim to address a significant budget shortfall while maintaining essential services.
Big Changes Coming to Memphis: Property Tax Hike and Fee Increases Approved
Your city of Memphis is bracing for some significant changes after the Memphis City Council approved a new budget on April 8, 2023. The city is facing a budget deficit of $7 million, mostly due to unexpected problems at the Shelby County Clerk’s Office, pushing the council to take some bold steps.
The Numbers: What You Need to Know
First and foremost, homeowners can expect to see a noticeable difference in their property tax bills. The council approved an increase of around 50 cents per $100 valuation, marking the first hike in over a decade. This means the property tax rate will rise from approximately $2.70 to an estimated $3.20. If you own a home, be prepared to shell out hundreds of dollars more annually due to this adjustment.
Now, if that wasn’t enough, the council also decided to double the registration fee for passenger vehicles. What once cost residents $30 will now be set at $60. This change is expected to generate an additional $13 million to help fill in the city’s budget gaps.
Solid Waste Fees Are Also Going Up
If you thought your wallet was safe from the changes, think again! The fee for solid waste pickup will face an increase, too. It’s going up by $12, making the total around $42 for residents. That’s right; every little bit adds up.
Staff Cuts and Overtime Costs
Changes in Position Counts
There were some discussions about potentially eliminating long-vacant positions as a cost-saving strategy, but this proposal ultimately did not pass. On the whole, the council seems to be working hard to adjust the budget according to the realities on the ground. The property tax increase of 18.2% comes in response to a hefty $858 million fiscal year budget for 2025. It was initially proposed to increase by 75 cents, but the more moderate 49-cent hike was approved as a means to soften the blow while still keeping services running.
Why These Changes Matter
Memphis residents can feel reassured that the city is aiming for more balanced funding and service distribution, even as tensions among council members rose during discussions. The city’s fund balance has seen a significant drop from $114 million to about $40 million over the last year, a situation that puts pressure on maintaining two months’ worth of operating funds.
Looking Ahead
The conversation isn’t over just yet. The next council meeting is scheduled for April 9, when they will finalize even more budget details, including a potential increase of $7 for the solid waste fee. With so much happening, one thing is certain: Memphis residents will want to stay tuned as decisions unfold. Stay informed, and be prepared for changes that could affect your monthly budget!
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Memphis City Budget Presentation
- Fox13 Memphis: Memphis City Council Passes New Budget
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis 2025 Budget and Tax Increases
- Action News 5: Memphis City Council Discusses Taxes and Budget
- Local Memphis: Budget Issues in Shelby County
- Wikipedia: Memphis, Tennessee
- Google Search: Memphis city budget 2025
- Google Scholar: Memphis budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis, Tennessee
- Google News: Memphis city budget
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
