MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
Instead of facing the music about inaccurate revenue reports to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners Wednesday morning, Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert was a no-show.
Clerk Halbert was on the agenda for the March 6 Budget and Finance Committee Meeting, where she was supposed to update the commission amid an ongoing state audit.
According to the Shelby County Trustee Regina Morrison Newman, Halbert submitted two inaccurate revenue reports going as far back as July 2023.
Last week, Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower announced he was sending a team of four to five auditors to look into Clerk Halbert’s office.
On Wednesday, Halbert was supposed to explain herself to the Shelby County Commission. But on Tuesday evening, District 3 Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright said they got an email from Halbert saying she wasn’t coming.
"The questions are endless with the county clerk. I'm really well beyond the end of my rope with this situation,” said Wright.
Wright said Halbert requested a month extension before answering questions and presenting accurate information.
There's a lot at stake since the Shelby County Commission can't move forward with an accurate proposed spending plan until they get accurate numbers from Halbert's office, the county's second largest revenue generator.
“The auditors are there, and I'm sure she has her hands full with that. I guess the problem is that we have a budget to prepare, so we need those numbers ASAP," said Commissioner Wright. "So, it is frustrating when she's not appearing as scheduled. I don't know if we have another month to spare."
Commissioner Wright said they support the state stepping in and hope to get answers as soon as possible on how much money has come through the clerk's office.
Halbert hasn't spoken publicly about the state audit and has not responded to multiples calls and emails for comment.
She is expected to appear in front of Commissioners either April 3 or April 17.