By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Officials in Alabama's most populous county are trying to figure their way out of a worsening financial mess.
Members of the Jefferson County Commission are scheduled to meet behind closed doors Tuesday in Birmingham to discuss alternatives to a court ruling that's caused a major revenue crunch. The problem comes with the county already trying to avoid bankruptcy because of a debt crisis.
After years of litigation, a judge has barred the county from spending revenues from an occupational tax that provides one-fourth of the county's operating budget.
Drastic cuts are possible; commissioners already have outlined some $52 million in reductions. Officials say a vote could come next week on possible cutbacks.