MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Memphis City Council shot down an initiative that would give former city council members healthcare benefits paid for in part by Memphis taxpayers.
The vote was nearly unanimous, with just Edmund Ford, Sr. abstaining.
The city’s chief human resources director said the proposal would have cost former council members about $7,800 a year for single coverage, with 70% to 75% of that paid by taxpayers. The rest would be paid by the former council member.
The controversial initiative had much opposition, with the vote being rescheduled multiple times.
“If we had every pothole filled, all our streets paved, and all our garbage picked up and all our lights working and we also had crime down and we had budget surplus and we’ve given every employee that retired that same benefit, then I think we should vote it for ourselves. But I think at this point it doesn’t make much sense for us to do this,” Councilman Dr. Jeff Warren said.
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