Satellite courthouses closed in Jefferson County

If you are going to a Jefferson County courthouse today, you may want to get there early. Longer lines are expected now that all four satellite locations are closed.

Taxpayers will be forced to use the downtown Birmingham and the Bessemer locations for certain services.

You probably remember the long lines and the hours of waiting the last time the satellite offices were closed in 2009. This time, the county says it is ready and you won't have to be an extra in a crowd scene.

"We will be prepared to staff," said Commission President David Carrington. "We went through the numbers and hopefully we will not see the situation that occurred several years ago."

That does not mean you will not be waiting longer than normal to renew your license, get a new title or tag.

"I think there will be lines," said Carrington. "I think the question is how long the lines will be. I would encourage anyone to use the mail, and use the internet."

 "I can't foretell the future but we're going to do the best we can to maintain and to help our citizens," said Commissioner George Bowman. "Especially the ones who put us in office and asked us to legislate for them."
    
All of the extra staffing at the main and Bessemer courthouses will not be ready first thing Monday because it takes time to set up their phones, computers and other office devices. Additionally, all of the services of the satellite courthouses that used to be divided into separate lines will all be mixed together.

County officials recommend you use the county's website or mail to avoid the lines.

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