Will there be a very large property tax increase in Memphis in 2016? That’s the question that kicked off this edition of A Memphis Conversation. Some city council members have predicted that possibility for the year after city elections primarily because of the contributions the city will be required to make toward pensions for retired city employees. Memphians, who pay both city and county property taxes, already have the highest property tax obligations in the state by far. Memphis city finances involve very complex choices and this broad ranging conversation reflects that. This discussion between Eddie Settles and Ken Welch touches on the pension debate, past city government integrity, city employee unions leadership, and a number of other issues.
For our August edition of A Memphis Conversation we knew what we were going to talk about. The only thing is, we did not talk about those things. One of the wonderful aspects of talking with friends is that the conversation can go in a direction completely unplanned. Perhaps those targeted subjects will be the fodder for future conversations.
We also took a turn away from the topic that has dominated our previous conversation programs. Those largely focused on the primary and secondary education systems in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. Rightly so, since Memphis is the central location for a Teacher Effectiveness Initiative and it is also in the midst of one of the largest school district mergers. This month, though, the school systems were barely mentioned.
So, what did we talk about? A wide range of subjects. Including those that might wish there were a 51st state: West Tennessee, Memphis as the capital of the Delta, Memphis being the exporter of “some of the most important cultural innovations … in the 20 and 21st centuries.” We also discuss our responsibility in a self governed society and concerns about surrendering freedom for security or a false sense of security.
Admittedly, I probably like to hear myself talk. Still, I, Ken, thought I’d listen to the entire program when I went to bed the evening after recording it and that it would put me to sleep. I was wrong. It was such and interesting and enjoyable conversation, it kept me up until the wee hours of the morning.
We hope you’ll not just listen, but that you’ll engage in conversation with friends, family, colleagues.
Want to know more? Here are some links to information about some of the things we talked about.
Will there be a very large property tax increase in Memphis in 2016? That’s the question that kicked off this edition of A Memphis Conversation. Some city council members have predicted that possibility for the year after city elections primarily because of the contributions the city will be required to make toward pensions for retired city employees. Memphians, who pay both city and county property taxes, already have the highest property tax obligations in the state by far. Memphis city finances involve very complex choices and this broad ranging conversation reflects that. This discussion between Eddie Settles and Ken Welch touches on the pension debate, past city government integrity, city employee unions leadership, and a number of other issues.
A Memphis Conversation 