City, County Discuss Consolidation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - It has been talked about for years but never received city and countywide support, now County Commission Chairwoman, Deidre Malone, says it is time to get the consolidation process in motion.

"Why not now, in terms of this region we have so many challenges when it comes to attracting business because of our dual government," says Malone.

City council is yet to debate the topic but Councilman Jim Strickland says while he agrees consolidation is necessary, he says since they have only one chance in 10 years to get it passed, they should wait.

"I think we need some time in Memphis with this new beginning with new mayor, fairly new council to improve the quality of life in Memphis to make it more attractive to consolidate," says Strickland.

The current consolidation plan would create a Metropolitan Government Charter Commission with 10 members appointed by the county mayor and five appointed by the city, it will allow other municipalities like Germantown to keep their own government, and it doesn't include combining the school system, Councilwoman Wanda Halbert says she has concerns the city won't receive equal benefit.

"I do think it is extremely important we see equity across the board, we don't need to see unequal representation, we don't need to see appeasement of any particular groups or individuals," says Halbert.

FOX13 political insider, Joseph Kyles seconds that opinion.

"Anyone in the city who would be supportive of this initiative, one has not done their homework or two is just not keen enough to see that would be disproportionate," says Kyles.

But Malone says it only makes sense to leave the schools and other municipalities out which in the past have kept county voters from approving consolidation.