The financial crisis in JeffCo has meant layoffs for county employees, and longer lines at the courthouse.
Senator Jabo Waggoner wants Jefferson County to be exempt from the occupational tax ban.A public hearing set for tomorrow could spell trouble for ending Jefferson County's financial crisis.
State Senator Arthur Orr of Decatur is sponsoring a bill to ban cities and counties from pushing an occupational tax. The job tax is the only bill Jefferson County Commissioners have sent to the legislature to fill its $40 million shortfall. The occupational tax takes a portion of the paychecks of anyone who works in Jefferson County. This has generated around $70 million in the past. The loss of the tax forced the county to close satellite courthouses and lay off 500 employees.
Vestavia Hills Senator Jabo Waggoner also sits on Orr's committee. Waggoner wants Jefferson County amended out of the bill.
"Jefferson County is in dire financial condition. Here again, we make a lot of excuses but they are hurting. We have to do something helping Jefferson County with it's financial situation." Waggoner said.
Waggoner's opposition carries a great deal of weight since he chairs the Senate Rules Committee. Waggoner must approve of all bills sent to the senate floor.
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