MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert is asking the Board of County Commissioners for staff raises.

Halbert made the request on Wednesday during the budget subcommittee.

The county clerk says almost half her staff is not receiving a decent wage and making less than $18 an hour, causing high turnover.

She is asking for $1.1 million to be allocated from the budget for the pay increase, saying her staff deserves more and the recent increase isn’t enough.

“If we can take care of the employees who have not been taken care of for many many years then I think we will be headed in the perfect direction,” said Halbert.

Halbert says this will allow her to also hire managers and accountants. However, this will not be voted on until after a vote on the 2026 fiscal year.