JeffCo Sheriff faces immediate $4.1 million budget cut

JEFFERSON CO. Ala.—Tuesday morning, Jefferson County Judge Joseph Boohaker lifted an injunction that allows the Jefferson County Commission to immediately cut $4.1 million from Sheriff Mike Hale’s budget. 

This action comes after the Judge ordered both sides to engage in good-faith negotiations twice. The talks were ordered to allow both sides to review financial records and agree on an amicable solution on how to move forward with budget cuts as the County faces declining revenues and a budget crisis that has resulted in placing 1,004 county employees on administrative leave without pay.

Sheriff Hale, who first sued to block the County Commission from taking funds from his budget, maintains that a cut of $4.1 million will severely affect his ability to adequately protect the county which is mandated by law.  After Tuesday’s hearing, Sheriff Hale said the cut may mean fewer county deputies working and less security at the county’s two courthouses.

Initially, the Sheriff offered to take a $2.1 million cut in efforts to assist the county’s financial dilemma. However, County Commissioners have publicly stated that with the county running out of cash, drastic cuts must be made now to all departments.

The Sheriff says he will continue to look for other sources of revenues.

Stay with NBC 13 HD News and nbc13.com for the latest on this developing story.
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