Jeffco Legislative Delegation meets with Governor over finances | News

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- On Thursday morning, the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation met with Governor Robert Bentley to discuss the county's financial issues.

Among those in attendance were representatives Waggoner, DeMarco, Robinson, Coleman and Carns.

The group discussed two bills that could potentially help Jefferson County through bankruptcy proceedings.

The first is a House bill presented by Trussville representative Arthur Payne. It would reinstate the occupational tax but would be tied to sewer rates. If sewer rates go up the job tax would go down.

However, the Jefferson County Commission questions the constitutionality of Payne's bill. Nine Jefferson County House Democrats supported the bill in committee but Payne was the only Republican in committee to vote for it. Seven other Jefferson County Republicans voted against it.

There are also lawmakers outside of Jefferson County jumping into the fray. Five lawmakers have filed contests against Payne's bill making it more difficult to bring up for a vote.

Rep. Waggoner informed the Governor of his "distressed county bill" that would allow counties in bankruptcy to implement job, rental or gas taxes.

Representative Jack Williams says that if the "distressed county bill" passes, he will ask the Governor and House leadership to get involved and use their influence to help pass the bill and end the crisis.

Stay tuned to MyFoxAl.com for more details as this story develops.

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