SHELBY COUNTY, Tennessee — In Wednesday's Ransom Note: your tax dollars at work.
Local 24 News senior I-team investigator Jeni Diprizio's report on the lawsuit against West Clinic and Methodist Lebonheur isn't the only report capturing our attention tonight.
We also learned today Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris' office approved a one million dollar ad campaign to improve public awareness of COVID-19.
The money came from CARES act funds, but some on the county commission say hold on. They're supposed to approve any contract over $50,000, and they'd rather see the money spent helping people suffering due to the virus rather than yet another ad campaign to mask up.
They also say it's the latest example of a growing division with Mayor Harris, whom they accuse of bypassing them in their role as commissioners. County attorneys say the mayor can approve larger contracts if it's due to a disaster, and COVID-19 qualifies.
Commissioner Edmund Ford, Jr. is asking the state to investigate. So, while the politicians bicker, taxpayer dollars are flying out the door.
Join the conversation by email (rransom@localmemphis.com), Facebook, or Twitter.