MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After five consecutive years of problematic budget submissions, the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury said that it will not approve Shelby County’s fiscal year 2026 budget.
Under Tennessee law, counties are required to submit annual budgets to the Comptroller for approval. The Comptroller’s Office then reviews the budget to ensure it is balanced, follows all applicable state laws, takes steps to prevent the county from operating at a deficit and ensures that public funds are being appropriately managed.
According to a letter sent to Mayor Lee Harris from Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower, Shelby County has submitted budgets that did not meet the office’s requirements every year since 2022. These budgets were often approved under the condition that specific requirements be met or that missing information be submitted late, but the County has been denied that allowance this year and the budget will not be approved…