JeffCo. Commissioners hold off on utilizing millions in escrowed funds

JEFFERSON CO., Ala— Jefferson county commissioners say they can’t spend millions of dollars being held in an escrow account, even though state lawmakers have given them approved to spend the funds. On Wednesday, Jefferson County Commissioner William Bell told NBC 13 HD news that lawmakers urged commissioners to use the more than $20M dollars in an escrow account to rehire county workers who are currently on unpaid leave.
More than a thousand workers were place on unpaid leave for six weeks in early August as a result of the county not having enough money to fund payroll.
Many Jefferson county commissioner say the occupational tax funds are still under a previous court order which prevents use of the funds until the Alabama Supreme Court issues a final ruling on lawsuit surround the Jefferson County .5% occupational tax.

“Obviously, they have not read Judge Rains order; an injunction is an injunction. We can not do anything until that injunction is lifted regardless of what state legislature say,” said Commissioner William Bell.

On Tuesday, the Alabama Supreme Court heard arguments on the occupational tax.  Commissioners were told a ruling on the matter could take six weeks or more.