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Library Staff Civil Service Charter Amendment

At a glance

Built from the official City Council minutes.

  • What: Referendum ordinance 5966 amending Article 34, Section 250 of the Home Rule Charter so employees of the Memphis and Shelby County Public Library can have civil service status.
  • Where it stands: Held on January 27 and February 3, then approved on third and final reading on February 24, 2026 by 10 ayes to 1 nay.
  • Next: The ordinance is styled a referendum ordinance; the minutes give no election date. Council minutes after April 14, 2026 are scanned images that were not readable, so later action is not reflected here.

Detail

Sponsored by ten members: Smiley, Canale, Cooper-Sutton, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Green, Spinosa, Chairwoman Swearengen-Washington, Walker and Warren. Smiley asked on February 24 that it be heard first from the held items. Carlisle cast the only no vote; Logan and White did not vote.

Public comment

Speakers recorded in the minutes (their positions are not stated): Emmaline Rogers, G. Wayn Dowdy, Jonathan Hill, Alexandra Farmer, Denise Yewell, Lisa Peterson.

Sources

Log

2026-02-24 - Memphis City Council

  • Referendum ordinance 5966 to amend Article 34, Section 250 of the Home Rule Charter so that Memphis and Shelby County Public Library employees may have civil service status. Heard first at Smiley's request. Six public speakers (listed on the issue page; one is listed twice). Approved on third and final reading 10-1, with Carlisle opposed. The ordinance is styled a referendum ordinance; the minutes give no election date.
    • Motion Smiley, second Green. Ayes (10): Canale, Cooper-Sutton, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Green, Spinosa, Smiley, Walker, Warren, Chairwoman Swearengen-Washington. Nays (1): Carlisle. Did not cast a vote: Logan, White.

2026-02-03 - Memphis City Council

  • Referendum ordinance 5966 on third and final reading held until March 3 (it was in fact taken up on February 24).

2026-01-27 - Memphis City Council

  • Referendum ordinance 5966 on third and final reading held until February 3.