Commissioners consider ‘equitable’ raises for Shelby County employees

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Months ago, Shelby County commissioners signed off on a new budget and pay raises for county employees.

But instead of raising salaries by six percent across the board, commissioners are now deciding whether some full-time workers should get a bigger piece of the pie.

Under a new plan, the county’s lowest-paid workers would get the biggest pay increase and those at the top of the pay scale would see the smallest increase.

What’s being called the “equitable salary increase” was the center of a debate during Monday’s commission meeting.

“People are working 12-hour shifts,” Commissioner Erika Sugarmon said. “I’ve heard people saying they’re getting food stamps. I’ve heard people saying not only that (but) they’re having to get other types of government assistance. We ought to be ashamed.”

“This is really something that needs to be considered during the budget deliberations, (in the) fiscal year 2026,” Commissioner Michael Whaley said. “It’s out of order to consider it now.”

The “equitable salary increase’ would cost taxpayers $6.5 million but for now, the plan has been put on hold indefinitely.

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