Memphis OKs amnesty on fees to offset tax increase
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — City Council on Tuesday approved an amnesty period from May 21 until June 30, allowing residents to pay off unpaid fines for half-price to help offset a proposed city property tax increase.
The vote on the resolution sponsored by Jerri Green was 12-0. In return for the amnesty period, the city will waive half of the fees on unpaid parking tickets and traffic citations.
“What we’re asking is that during this amnesty period between now until the end of June, that you step up and do your part as Memphians,” Green said before the vote.
The city has more than $140 million in uncollected parking and traffic citations over the past 10 years, Green said, calling it an unmined revenue source.
Mayor proposes city budget with 75-cent tax hike
Collecting that money will help the city generate revenue, which council members hope can reduce or eliminate a 75-cent property tax increase proposed in the mayor’s budget. The increase, if it’s put in effect, could create a burden for property owners in the city.
“Let’s be direct, a 75-cent tax increase is going to hurt us all,” council chair JB Smiley said. “For me, a 75-cent tax increase is me telling someone’s grandmother that they can’t live here anymore.”
Mayor Paul Young proposed a 75-cent increase in city property taxes in his first budget presentation to the Memphis City Council last month.
A 75-cent property tax increase would equate to an increase of about $188 in taxes on a $100,000 home, Young said.
For more information about the fine amnesty period, contact the Memphis City Court Clerk at 901-636-3400.
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