Video: Jeffco. Commission hires lobbyist amid public outcry

Amidst a boisterous crowd of Jefferson county taxpayers, Jefferson County Commissioners voted 3-2 to accept a contract with Washington, D.C. lobbyist firm Book Hill Partners, LLC. Commissioners Jim Carns and Bobby Humphryes were openly against the contract and questioned the validity of Book Hill Partners legal ability to conduct business in Alabama.  The 90 day contract allows the county to seek professional services regarding the lobbying for federal funds in efforts to address the county’s looming $3.2 billion sewer debt.  Initially, the contract was set to be capped around $950,000 but Tuesday’s vote was approved on a limit of $250,000 dollars for three months worth of services. The approved contract can be renewed three times within a year.

The approved vote came with much debate. Many times during Tuesday’s commission meeting, members of the public interrupted by shouting against some of the commissioners who favored the contract. Commission President Bettye Fine Collins hushed the crowd at times only to end the meeting in with a vote that was unnoticed by many due to the vocal outcry and confusion.
To view Tuesday’s Jefferson County Commission meeting in it’s entirely, please click on the video player above.

Tuesday evening at 5 and 6p.m., NBC 13 HD News will air reaction from taxpayers, Commission President Bettye Fine Collins and Commissioner Jim Carns about what’s next regarding to Jefferson County’s sewer debt crisis.

To read Commission President Bettye Fine Collins’ written response released Tuesday please access the link below.
Bettye Fine Collins’ Press Release
To read Commissioner Jim Carns’ written response released Tuesday please access the link below.
Jim Carns’ Press Release