MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Voters have defeated referendums for a half-cent sales tax in Shelby County and a one cent gasoline tax in Memphis.
Nearly 70 percent of Shelby County voters cast their ballots against a sales tax increase, which would have generated an estimated $60 million in revenue. Half of that revenue would have been used to help fund the Unified School System.
Although the sales tax referendum gained wide political support, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell had stated he thought a tax increase was premature.
"We are going counter to all good fiscal decision making procedures here," Luttrell said. "Asking people to give you more tax money with no clear picture of how that money is going to be spent is poor budget management." Voters agreed.
Also failed was a proposed Memphis City Charter amendment which would have added a one cent tax on gasoline within city limits. The tax was earmarked to fund public transportation with an estimated $3 million in revenue. Over 60 percent voted against the measure.
County Sales and Use Tax: Resolution No. 18A
Shall the Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners, increasing the County Sales Tax from 2.25% to 2.75%, except where the Sales Tax Rate is limited or modified by statute, be approved? |
| For | 77961 | 31.14 | % |
| Against | 172365 | 68.86 | % |
| 193/193 precincts reporting |
Memphis One Cent Gasoline Tax: Ordinance No. 5464
Shall the Home Rule Charter of the City of Memphis, Tennessee, be amended by adding the following provisions to read as follows: "The Council of the City of Memphis is authorized by Ordinance to authorize the City of Memphis to levy and collect a one cent gasoline tax on all sales within the city and to authorize the use of revenue derived there from for budget expenditures for public transportation." |
| For | 85244 | 38.15 | % |
| Against | 138203 | 61.85 | % |
| 172/172 precincts reporting |
