It's Time

Consolidation facts

Q: How can the new metropolitan government be approved?

A: It must have a separate majority from voters within the city of Memphis and those outside of Memphis. If it does not pass in either area, the referendum fails.

Q: What would be the name of the new government?

A: Memphis Shelby County Metropolitan Government

Q: What jurisdictions would fall under the new government?

A: All of Shelby County. However, the six incorporated suburbs -- Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland and Millington -- would maintain their autonomy and individual governments. City of Memphis government would dissolve and be replaced by Metro, which also would govern unincorporated areas.

Q: What about schools?

A: The charter does not apply to schools "and shall not be construed" as consolidating the Memphis City and Shelby County Schools. There is a provision where the school boards could request consolidation.

Q: How are elections handled?

A: Elections would be non-partisan, unless required by state law. There is also a clause for "instant runoff," where voters rank candidates.

Q: How many people would serve on the legislative body?

A: The metropolitan council would have 25 members. Thirteen would come from single districts. The remaining 12 would come from four larger, multi-member districts with three each.

Q: Are there term limits?

A: Yes. No member of the council nor the metropolitan mayor shall serve more than two consecutive 4-year terms.

Q: Who would handle law enforcement?

A: The charter calls for one of the executive departments to be the Department of Law Enforcement, which will handle the responsibilities currently under the jurisdiction of Memphis and the areas covered by the sheriff.

Q: What about the sheriff?

A: The sheriff, as a state constitutional office, remains intact, but the duties change. The sheriff will oversee areas, such as corrections centers and jails. The sheriff's office also will provide courtroom security and handle serving civil and criminal warrants, but not law enforcement, which falls to the metropolitan government.

Q: What are the taxing districts?

A: There would be a general services district that encompasses the entire county, including the suburbs. There would be an urban services district that is now the City of Memphis.

Q: What happens to property taxes initially?

A: The charter mandates a property tax freeze for the first three fiscal years, taking reappraisal into consideration.

Q: If approved, when would the first election be held?

A: The first Thursday in August 2014.

Q: When would the new government take effect?

A: Those elected would take office Sept. 1, 2014, starting the Memphis Shelby County Metropolitan Government.





http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/aug/16/merger-panels-focus-shifts/