The City of Memphis is shrinking. City leaders say their work is done after council members voted to de-annex South Cordova, but the neighborhood’s exit won’t be quiet.
South Cordova homeowners will be left to paying taxes long after they find themselves on the outside of city limits.
People living in South Cordova say they’ve not gotten what they’ve been paying for in taxes from public safety, public works and more.
Those residents still say they’ve got reason to celebrate.
Patricia Possel has led the charge for de-annexation across the city for about 7 years.
“I am so happy,” said Possel. “It’s definitely been a journey.”
Tuesday night’s Memphis City Council vote to de-annex South Cordova was victory for Possel and allies as the last of a 3-part phase to what city leaders call “right-sizing the city.”
“The really good news is when you really study the numbers it’s a good decision for all of Memphis,” said Possel.
Memphis Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen says those numbers fit into the Memphis 3.0 plan.
Council members discussed concerns over the possible loss of tax revenue during initial phases of de-annexation regarding Southwind/Wyndyke, River Bottoms, Rocky Point and Eads, but McGowen says less ground to cover and people to serve costs less.
“We’re not going to lose any city employees,” said McGowan. “We’re just going to deploy the people who serve those areas into other areas of the city.”
Those celebrating will pay a price for it.
They’ll begin paying what are called Obligations in 2021.
A South Cordova home worth $160,000 will pay about $1600 in county taxes and $1300 in city taxes but Possel say it’s worth it.
“If we have to pay a couple of years that’s ok it’s a compromise that makes Memphis stronger. It’ll make us stronger in the long run too.”