By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Supreme Court has heard oral arguments over the validity of a Jefferson County occupational tax that was repealed by state legislators.
Loss of the occupational tax and a business license fee has led to a partial shutdown of government services in Jefferson County and more than 1,000 employees were put on unpaid administrative leave.
The fee and half-percent tax on wages for most of the county's workers generate about $6.5 million a month.
Six justices heard the arguments Tuesday after three recused themselves because they live in the county.
A judge ruled in January that the occupational tax and license fee were invalid. He allowed the county to continue collecting the tax but said it couldn't be spent.