Supports rally to keep Bessemer Courthouse at current location

People in support of keeping the Bessemer courthouse open are taking their voices to the street.

Supporters rallied outside the courthouse on Tuesday while hoping their mission is noticed by county leaders who want to close it to save money. The issue is keeping the Jefferson County courthouse open in its current location.

During the rally, local officials, business owners, even Jefferson County employees held signs and talked about why it is important to keep these facilities open. If the courthouse moves from this location, 300 employees would either move their offices downtown or to another building.

Jefferson County commissioners say they cannot keep these buildings open because they cannot afford the $8-million lease. Commissioners have discussed moving the courthouse operations to the vacant West Lake Mall, but concerned citizens say that will be detrimental to local businesses.

Lines outside the courthouse remain very crowded with most people wanting to renew their car tags. On Tuesday, the line wrapped around the building and some people said they waited in line two hours. "Save Bessemer" supporters say this is a prime example of why the courthouse is needed in this location.

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