JeffCo Weighs Budget Cuts

Jefferson County commissioners this week began the task of deciding what budget cuts to make in light of a local judge’s ruling last Thursday prohibiting the county from using proceeds of an occupational tax that was struck down in January.

The occupational tax supports 35% of the county’s general fund budget.

Commissioners are reviewing cuts that may include abandoning contracts, eliminating road maintenance within municipalities, abolishing the planning and code enforcement offices, closing satellite courthouses, and laying off employees.

The initial cuts do not involve reductions in the law enforcement budget, the financially troubled sewer department, or a county-owned hospital.

Circuit Judge David Rains struck down the tax in January, but then allowed the county to continue spending the proceeds until May 18 to give the Alabama Legislature time to pass a bill that would reauthorize the tax.

Lawmakers ended their session May 15 without passing a bill and Rains told the county to stop spending the tax revenue while it now appeals his January ruling to the state Supreme Court. Tax proceeds are now being placed in an escrow account pending the appeal.

Meanwhile, commissioners are still awaiting a decision by a federal judge as to whether he will appoint a receiver for the debt-saddled sewer system. According to one published report, the judge will rule this week.

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