MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A lot of people in south Cordova may be crossing their fingers that they won't be residents of Memphis for very long. Memphis City Council has been told the annexation may not be worth it because it will cost the city more in services than the tax revenue the area would generate.
That prompted discussion about de-annexing the area.
Memphis City Councilman Kemp Conrad said of the annexation, "Even little kids know when you're in a hole you stop digging, and all this is a big deep hole."
The Wharton administration estimated the city would lose $100,000 a year providing services to the newly annexed area.
"Why are we doing this, taking money out of the inner city to provide services to people who don't want to be in Memphis anyway?" asked Councilman Jim Strickland.
The big question is if the numbers are accurate. While the mayor's office says the city will lose money, the council's lawyer, Allan Wade, says it will generate almost $700,000.
Memphis Chief Administrative Officer Geroge Little said until the council makes a decision, it is business as usual.
"The process to de-annex is complicated... I can't think of any area de-annexed off the top of my head," said Little. "In the interim were obligated to provide services."
The city council will discuss the matter again in two weeks when they hope to get more accurate facts and figures.
The bottom line for people living in south Cordova: they still have to pay that city tax bill.
