With mounting stringencies in Jefferson County, not even the iron mascot atop Red Mountain seems safely employed.
Jefferson County commissioners got a thrashing, along with some good advice, when they received a report they had requested from FTI Consulting. The group told commissioners the county’s financial oversight was not adequate, but also recommended money saving cuts—eliminating all senior programs, discontinuing land planning, cutting fleet management personnel and eliminating all but required general services.
The financially troubled county already has lost more than 700 employees since last year, the Birmingham News reports, and several departments, including public safety, say that if they lose more, their ability to provide services will be compromised.
Also this month, the county won court approval for Chapter 9 bankruptcy.
By Nedra Bloom
