Millington, TN, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The City of Millington is struggling with financial issues as it claims Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert owes over $30,000 in unpaid rent. City Manager Frankie Dakin has stated that Halbert has not made any payments since the start of 2023, creating pressure on local taxpayers. Despite these challenges and recent branch closures, city officials are committed to ensuring that residents retain access to essential County Clerk services.
Millington
The City of Millington is facing significant financial concerns as it claims that Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert owes over $30,000 in unpaid rent. Millington City Manager Frankie Dakin has confirmed that Halbert has not made any rental payments since the beginning of 2023, accumulating debts that are now straining local taxpayer resources.
Dakin described Halbert’s failure to fulfill her financial obligations as “unacceptable” and noted that while the city is open to resolving the matter amicably, it will not compromise on the welfare of its taxpayers. The City of Millington intends to protect its interests while maintaining an accessible location for County Clerk services to residents in North Shelby County.
The financial issues come at a time when Halbert’s office in Whitehaven has closed indefinitely due to concerns over potential mold, contributing to a troubling pattern of branch closures. This is the third branch closure in recent years, which Dakin pointed out has resulted in many residents losing access to essential County Clerk services.
Additionally, records indicate that the last lease for the Millington location expired on December 31, 2023, reflecting a lack of suitable arrangements for the ongoing provision of services. Despite these challenges, city officials have outlined their commitment to not close their doors on Shelby County residents while grappling with these ongoing issues. The Whitehaven office has also reportedly been operating without a signed lease since 2017.
Halbert has suggested that these lease issues may be attributed to agreements made by a prior county government team before her tenure began in 2018. The disconnect in the operation of the Clerk’s Office has drawn criticism from local leaders, including State Senator Brent Taylor, who highlighted that residents should easily access services like car tags.
As the dispute unfolds, city officials remain determined to find a resolution that serves the community’s needs, ensuring that while Clerk services are challenged, the residents’ access to necessary government functions will not be put in jeopardy.
Background Context of the Situation
The issues concerning the Shelby County Clerk’s office and its financial responsibilities highlight broader operational problems within the office. Recent service suspensions and the closure of multiple branches have sparked concern within the community about service accessibility. The tenure of Wanda Halbert as County Clerk has been marked by challenges that have left residents advocating for more consistent and reliable access to Clerk services.
Summary of Key Issues
- Halbert owes over $30,000 in unpaid rent since 2023.
- City Manager describes the situation as unacceptable.
- Millington stands ready to resolve the issue without taking legal action.
- Halbertโs Whitehaven office closed indefinitely due to mold concerns.
- Millington officials emphasize ongoing issues causing loss of services.
- City officials will continue to provide access to Clerk services despite current challenges.
FAQ
What is the total amount Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert owes in unpaid rent?
Halbert owes over $30,000 in unpaid rent to Millington taxpayers.
When did Halbert last make a rent payment?
Halbert has not paid rent since the beginning of 2023.
Why has the Whitehaven office of the Clerk closed?
The Whitehaven office has closed indefinitely due to concerns over potential mold.
What is the expiration date of the lease for the Millington location?
The last lease for the Millington location expired on December 31, 2023.
How has the closure of Clerk offices affected local residents?
Too many residents have lost access to the County Clerk’s services due to ongoing failures within the Clerk’s Office.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Millington Officials Address Unpaid Rent by County Clerk
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Renovations and Expansion Planned at Agricenter International
Additional Resources
- WREG: Millington Claims Unpaid Rent
- Action News 5: Whitehaven Clerk Office Closure
- Local Memphis: Halbert Unpaid Rent Issues
- Fox 13: County Clerk Owes Millington
- Commercial Appeal: Shelby County Clerk Rent Issue
- Wikipedia: Shelby County, Tennessee
- Google Search: Shelby County Clerk
- Google Scholar: Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- Google News: Millington Tennessee Clerk Services
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS 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 areaโwith 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.
