Jerry Cobb v. Shelby County Board

OPINION FRANK F. DROWOTA, III, Chief Justice As taxpayers and citizens of Shelby County, Plaintiffs brought this action to declare
invalid an ordinance authorizing new salaries for the members of the Shelby County board of Commissioners. They sought to
enjoin payment under the ordinance and to recoup for the County treasury any sums paid out. The complaint alleged the disputed
amounts were an illegal increase in the Commissioners' remuneration specifically prohibited by article II, section 2.04 of
the Shelby County Home Rule Charter, and generally prohibited by T.C.A. § 5-5-107 and public policy as reflected
in various provisions of the Tennessee Constitution. Named as defendants were the Commissioners, the Mayor, and two financial
officers of Shelby County.