Shelby County Commissioners Vote To Supplement Revenue With Ad Space On Government Property

September 9, 2008 8:23 a.m. EST

Memphis, TN (AHN) - Advertisers in Shelby County Tennessee can now buy advertising space on government-owned property after county commissioners decided it was a good way to replace property tax revenue that has dropped as homes lost value.

That is the county that includes Memphis.

Shelby County Commissioners didn't raise the property tax rate when they approved the $1.1 million budget for the new fiscal year that began in July. And municipal governments, like individuals, can face bankruptcy if they spend more than they earn.

Alabama's Jefferson County includes Birmingham is in that predicament.

Jefferson County Commissioners voted 5 to 0 Monday to enter into forbearance on $3.2 billion in debt the county spent on necessary sewer improvements that, it turns out, it couldn't afford.

It is trying to avoid going into Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy. If it can't, Jefferson County will become the largest U.S. county to go into bankruptcy since 1994.

Shelby County Commissioners want to avoid similar difficulties and voted 8 to 0 on Monday to allow selling advertising on government property. It wasn't the first county to make that move to supplement income from property taxes and other sources.

However, don't look for adult-oriented ads on government property or ads from individuals with financial or legal interests that conflict with the county.

Commissioners decided to ban ad sales to those individuals or businesses, along with businesses that promote alcohol, tobacco products, gambling, weapons, bail bond services or specific religious or political views, according to reports. Ads will also not be sold to people or companies with financial or legal conflicts with government.