Lease renewal approved for Shelby Co. Clerk’s Austin Peay branch
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RALEIGH, Tenn. (WMC) – The Shelby County Commission approved the lease renewal of the Shelby County Clerk’s branch in Raleigh on Monday, securing the location for the next two years and nine months.
That approval didn’t come without questioning from one of Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert’s biggest critics: Commissioner Mick Wright.
Last week, Halbert had to answer why she needed the commission to approve this lease renewal after Commissioner Wright claimed she said she was dissatisfied with her facilities.
“You’ve stated that you are very dissatisfied with the facilities,” said Wright, addressing the county clerk. “You’ve referred to the offices as ‘illegal’ in the past and that there are illegal practices happening in the story.”
County Commissioner Britney Thornton pushed back, pointing out the claims that Halbert hasn’t had the resources to right the wrongs of her office. Thornton says with the current budget, she is confident Halbert can do that.
“It’s clear there is much room for improvement that you’ve identified, and that the comptroller has identified,” said Thornton, “I hope that you get the resources to do the work that you need to do.”
Halbert said the issues are not her fault. Wright said they’re a collaborative effort between supportive services and her office.
“To have 30, 40, 50 citizens and customers in a room that can only hold 9, 10, 11, or 12… those are part of the reasons why I am in trouble,” said Halbert.
The commission approved the consent agenda without discussion.
The newly-approved lease renewal is retroactive from April 1, 2024, until December 31, 2026. Commissioner Wright said the location has been without a lease for the past two years.
One Shelby County resident says he doesn’t care; he just wants to be able to use the office closest to him.
“It’s convenient. I live in the neighborhood, so I don’t have to go too far,” said Jasper.
Action News 5 has been following how the locations have been kept ―as Clerk Wanda Halbert is under scrutiny for their operation.
Long lines, delays, and inconsistent open and closing times are just a few things noted in the petition to remove her from office.
Clerk Halbert, who was re-elected in August 2022, is fighting back, taking official legal action in hopes of getting that dismissed.
Remember, there were issues with the lease at the former Poplar Plaza location, with tens of thousands of dollars in back rent owed.
After the lease at the Raleigh location expires in 2026, there’s an option to go month-to-month for three months.
“If it closes down, I’ll just have to go to another one,” said Jasper.
The approval of a lease is between the mayor’s administration, county commission and the clerk’s office. The total contract cannot exceed a little more than $68,640.