This is the first time financial advisors and attorneys have briefed the entire commission and other county employees during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Their presentation left commissioners feeling like there will be a solution to this crisis that may not involve bankruptcy.

Attorney Patrick Darby told commissioners, "I do not believe bankruptcy is in any way imminent or is an immediate or near term threat."

Commissioners hope the current negotiations are working.  Commissioner Shelia Smoot believes, "Jefferson County is at a point where we are saying take it or leave it. Something is better than a zero for the folks we owe. And I think they are seriously looking at that."  Commission President Bettye Fine Collins added, "You can't totally relax, but I think we all must stay steady as we go."

The county most likely will not make a 53 million dollar debt payment Tuesday.  An agreement that delayed the payment expires then.  But commissioners hope to get another extension as they work toward a long term solution that doesn't involve filing for bankruptcy.  "Nobody can predict the future. And I can't stand here today and say it's impossible and that it will never happen. But does it have to happen? No," Darby said at the end of Thursday's meeting.