MEMPHIS, Tenn. — City leaders and Memphians sat down one-on-one and discussed some of the city's most pressing issues, including crime, lacking public transportation and the proposed property tax increase at the "Day at the Hall” event, on Thursday, April 25.
Yvonne Beckton, a longtime Memphis resident, was one of many that showed up to voice concerns plaguing the city and ask for solutions.
"Memphis has always been a city that got awards for being the cleanest cities, one of the safest cities and now we have a reputation of the wild, wild West,” said Beckton.
Mayor Paul Young’s proposed 75 cent property tax increase was a big topic on the minds of some Memphians.
"75 cents on every $100. That's a lot of money,” said Beckton.
Some leaders also agreed.
"We can't bring to the people a tax increase when we didn't do our job of cutting programs that are not necessarily serving a legitimate government purpose,” said Council Chairman JB Smiley.
According to Smiley, another top concern included more funding and new routes for MATA.
While first quarter crime statistics showed a decrease in violent and property crimes, Memphis Police say the numbers are still too high, partially due to an officer shortage. MPD is budgeted for 2,500 officers but the department only has about 1,940 right now.
Meanwhile, the city's Office of Youth Services said they're doing their part to fight crime through new initiatives including a free summer camp in Westwood that director Brian Harris said will show them positivity in the city.
"A lot of our young people have not been outside their neighborhoods. And the point of the camp is to expose them beyond their zip code,” said Harris.
So far, more than 300 kids have signed up.
Youth Services is also encouraging the community to be a part of the solutions to the crime.
Chairman Smiley said this council will continue to improve their communication and engagement with the community through events like “Day at the Hall.”