MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After a disparity study for Shelby County cost taxpayers more than $300,000, there’s a battle at the County Commission over how the findings will be implemented.
In March, WREG began questioning the commission after the findings from the study weren’t readily made available to the public. Once the findings were public, some shocking statistics were released, like 88 percent of businesses owned by men were awarded contracts between 2012 and 2014.
Now there’s a new battle brewing with the commission about how the findings will be handled.
“We are under no contractual obligation with them to do this. K? And I’m extremely tired of staff trying to tell the commission what we need to do,” Commissioner Heidi Shafer said.
Tempers flared at Wednesday’s County Commission meeting as the group went back and forth about what they’re going to do next with its disparity study.
The study released last month was conducted by a firm out of Oakland, California. The more than $300,000 study analyzed minority businesses and found 55 percent of business contracts are awarded outside of Shelby County.
Now the next move is how to fix these issues. Staff for the commission urged they enter a $90,000 contract with the same company, Mason Tillman.
“If we have to put this out for bid again — select another company — than we are delaying it further,” a staffer said.
Commissioners seemed divided on staying with Mason Tillman, saying they should at least give local businesses a chance to have their voices be heard. At one point Commissioner Terry Roland even left his seat to speak with staff.
“Without everyone getting tore up about this, just remember this could be another bite at the apple,” said Roland.
Some commissioners said it seemed the staff was lobbying for the California-based company.
“Shouldn’t we go out and see if a local small-owned business can do this for us? Before we contract with this company?” questioned Roland.
Commissioner Van Turner said he believes Mason Tillman is a good choice because it has the expertise and is well qualified.
Ultimately the commission committee voted to go with Mason Tillman, but Roland said that could still change when the full commission meets next week.
