By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – An opinion by the state attorney general could save Birmingham city schools at least 850-thousand-dollars. Attorney General Troy King says local governments do not have the authority to charge the state or its agencies inspection or permit fees. King's opinion was sought by Shelby County schools and was issued last month. That apparently affects Birmingham because school officials say they asked the city about 10 months ago to waive permit fees on school construction projects. Schools Superintendent Wayman Shiver says city officials denied that request. The school system has 13 construction projects in the works, costing about 142 million-dollars.