Paris, Tenn.–Area officials met with Memphis City Mayor Jim Strickland Wednesday in Paris to discuss possible legislative measures that could assist municipalities and county governments in light of budget demands being faced.
In attendance at the meeting were State Rep. Bruce Griffey (R-Paris); Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway, Paris City Mayor Carlton Gerrell, Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler, Benton County Mayor Randy Shannon, Henry County EMA Director Ronald Watkins and 911 Director Mark Archer. The meeting was held at the Henry County 911 headquarters on Brewer Street in Paris.
Rep. Griffey said, “Because the State is consistently running tax revenue surpluses in the hundred of millions on a monthly basis in excess of predicted and budgeted levels, one possible option that could avoid local tax increases at the local level would be for the State to shift a portion of the sales tax revenue generated by each county/city and let those entities keep more of those tax dollars to be used for local needs. All the Mayors appear to support such a measure. Such a proposal would also provide needed flexibility should the State see an economic downturn and funds might need to be shifted back in the future.”
Photo: From left, Mark Archer, Joseph Butler, John Penn Ridgeway, Strickland, Rep. Griffey, Randy Shannon, Carlton Gerrell and Ron Watkins.