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Shelby County Commission, explained
The Shelby County Commission is the 13-member legislative body that sets the county property tax rate, approves the county budget, and oversees county departments including the Sheriff's Office, the Health Department, and Regional One Health. Every Memphis taxpayer pays both a city and a county property tax — the Commission sets the county half.
How the Commission is structured
- 13 commissioners elected from single-member districts
- Four-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms
- Chair elected by the body each year
- Regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month
What the Commission decides
The Commission's biggest single decision each year is the county budget, which includes the county's share of funding for Memphis-Shelby County Schools — roughly half of every county dollar. The Commission also approves county contracts above the administrative threshold, sets fee schedules, and confirms appointments by the County Mayor.
City vs. County: who does what
The Memphis City Council sets city policy and the city property tax rate. The Shelby County Commission sets the county property tax rate and funds schools, jail, and public health. Memphis residents pay both. When the two bodies disagree on school funding, it usually plays out in joint budget hearings each spring.