‘We’re struggling:’ Residents react new tax and fee increases
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – With prices increasing for everyday items like groceries and car insurance, adding anything extra for some people is starting to feel like a lot.
Well, Memphians said they are struggling to keep up especially as local taxes and fees increase.
“We’re struggling; we’re struggling,” said Kiara Smith, a Memphian who renewed her vehicle registration Monday. She explained how she felt after learning that her bill the next time would be $60 more.
That’s how many Memphians felt Monday as the first of the month and new tax increases rolled in.
“At this point, you need to increase the wages, because everything is going up except the wages,” said Denise McCaw, Memphis resident.
On Tuesday, the Memphis city council approved a new budget for the city, it included three items that will directly impact Memphians: a 49-cent property tax rate increase that moves the tax rate from $2.71 to $3.20, an increase in the solid waste fee by $12, and a $30 increase in the city’s fee for vehicle registration renewal.
Action News 5 spoke with residents walking in and out of the Shelby Clerk’s office.
“I don’t mean no harm, but $139. That’s high… with them in there saying it’s supposed to increase. I don’t know baby. I don’t know, that’s too much,” said Smith.
On top of the recent tax increases, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of food increased by just over 2% since last year and food at home or groceries increased by 1%.
Some Memphians said although budgeting is tough right now, they are trying to make it work.
“100 percent, everybody has to budget differently. It’s hard to survive out here nowadays,” said resident Ryan Joyal.
When Action News 5 looked at various residents’ vehicle registration renewals today, Memphians were still only being charged $30. We spoke with a city leader who said it is a process to get that change to $60 in the system, but it will happen soon.
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