By Associated Press
Bessemer, AL – Circuit Court Judge Dan King has withdrawn from the budget fight between Jefferson County and Sheriff Mike Hale over the sheriff's budget.
The Jefferson County Commission voted to cut the sheriff's budget as part of an across-the-board countywide budget cuts.
King recused himself on Monday, saying he has a conflict due to his county supplement.
Last week King blocked the county for 10 business days from slashing the sheriff's budget. The county subsequently petitioned the Alabama Supreme Court to void a Circuit Court order, questioning whether the Bessemer-based judge had jurisdiction in Birmingham.
Hale said the 33 percent reduction ordered by the commission would devastate his office and public safety.