Norris to Chair Special Shelby County Subcommittee
March 10, 2005


NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has been selected to chair a special subcommittee to negotiate alternatives for education funding and debt reduction in Shelby County.

Representative Joe Towns (D-Memphis), who chairs the Shelby County Legislative Delegation, announced the appointment in Nashville yesterday following a meeting with Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton. Also appointed were Senator Jim Kyle (D-Memphis) and Representatives Tre Hargett (R-Bartlett), Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), Ulysses Jones (D-Memphis) and Larry Miller (D-Memphis).

Additional members representing a segment of the business community will be named by the Memphis Area Association of Realtors and the Homebuilders Association of Memphis. Both groups have been vocal in their opposition to state-wide legislation that would enable county revenue measures other than additional property or sales taxes. Senator Kyle is the sponsor of one such measure under consideration.

The subcommittee was formed during a special meeting yesterday called by Senator Curtis Person (R-Memphis) aimed at furthering negotiations.

The goal of the subcommittee is to make recommendations designed to resolve an ongoing dispute between the local governments of Memphis and Shelby County to reduce debt resulting from school funding.

“What we need is a comprehensive solution,” Norris said. “And there are more components than debt to consider: county expenses as well as revenue, existing debt as well as future needs, and most importantly, the need for special school districts in Shelby County.”

These funding dilemmas are not unique to Shelby County as many counties across Tennessee face similar challenges. Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) attended the meeting and commented that Rutherford County is also seeking alternative funding for school construction.

Under questioning by Norris, Mayor Wharton responded that he will give serious consideration to supporting special districts as a means of addressing the issue.

Norris and Hargett are currently sponsoring legislation to give counties the ability to convert school systems into special districts. In West Tennessee, the Memphis City and Shelby County systems could then be converted into separate districts with fixed boundaries.

"I look forward to working with all concerned to find a lasting resolution. Shelby County needs stability in education and finance,” Norris said. “I hope this group provides the guidance necessary to get there."