MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor Paul Young is exploring an added tax Downtown to pay for “security, beautification and assistance for our unhoused population” in the district.
City officials confirmed Wednesday that Young is seeking approval for a 0.5% sales tax on food and other items sold in the Downtown area, as defined by the Tourism Development Zone boundaries.
That comes out to 50 cents on a $100 bill.
Nashville currently has a similiar tax, officials said.
The tax would need approval from state lawmakers, which would authorize the City Council to make the change.
Young shared the idea Wednesday with the Shelby County delegation.
WREG asked people about this new proposed tax, and their responses were overwhelmingly “no.”
“We don’t need another tax, I think it will drive away customers from downtown,” downtown resident Angela Isom said. “I think we pay enough in taxes to take care of those things, they just need to allocate the money appropriately.”
But some say, after hearing more, they understand this may be the right move for the city.
“I think it is a good thing because other downtowns and throughout the United States, you know Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville they have it looking nice. We want our downtown to look nice. I think we are going in the right direction,” said one person who did not want to be identified.
Residents like Joe Speck understand and agree the city needs to be safe and is in need of repair, but he believes everyone should pitch in.
“It would be like asking residents of Hickory Hill if they want to raise their taxes so they have more police presence,” Speck said. “If it is for everyone, everyone’s taxes need to be raised proportionately.”