MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell is having his say on a state bill allowing residents of six Tennessee cities, including Memphis, to de-annex their communities.
Critics complain it will create gloom and doom, but Luttrell said not so fast.
“I’m hesitant to make dire predictions either way other than to say there are going to be some significant challenges that an educated public is going to have to work through,” he said. “I don’t like to wave the bloody shirt until I know the details. I’m not going to say it’s devastating until we’ve had an opportunity to research the impact and start the education process.”
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has called the bill potentially devastating. Strickland said it could cost Memphis more than 100,000 residents, $64 million in property tax revenue and $15 million in sales tax revenue.
Luttrell said it could have an impact on all parties involved.
“There will be a financial impact on the city and a financial impact on the county and a financial impact on the citizens that are in these communities,” Luttrell said.
Some of the recent communities annexed by Memphis include South Cordova, Wyndyke and Southwind.
Last week, State Senators Lee Harris of Memphis and Mark Norris of Collierville told WREG they’ve been hearing all sides in this debate.
“We are negotiating with a gun to the City of Memphis’ head because there’s a threat there would be a break-up of the City of Memphis in some ways,” Harris said. “Can you imagine if Hickory Hill would de-annex?”
“There’s also a question as to whether the city is delivering on its obligations under the law in some certain areas,” Norris said.
Luttrell said de-annexation would affect fire services, the sheriff’s office, the 911 communications system and taxes, but he said the county could handle the responsibility and the cost.
“County government is very financially stable right now. We are resilient and nimble enough, we can move quickly we need to and we’ll be prepared for whatever the citizens decide,” Luttrell said.
