MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Some may call it embarrassing – while others will say it’s unmitigated gall. But however you label it, city councilman Martavius Jones is a tax scofflaw.
The two-term councilman was forced to admit to reporters Tuesday that he is again delinquent on both his and city and county property taxes – to the tune of more than $5500. Jones said he intends to pay up by Friday – including interest.
The optics around his admission could not be worse. For more than a week, he had been publicly calling for a tax increase for other Memphis property owners – claiming the city could use the money to provide additional funds for mass transit and other initiatives – including youth programs. In the end, the council overwhelmingly voted down Jones’ proposal and set the city’s readjusted tax rate at $2.71. That will keep most tax bills at about the same as last year after property reappraisals take effect.
But all of that took a back seat to reports of Jones’ unpaid taxes – which marks at least the second time he has been delinquent.
Cases of elected officials falling behind on their property taxes are nothing new for Memphis and Shelby County. But if they are going to hold public office and decide what others should pay in taxes, the least they can do is be current with theirs. And that’s my point of view.