Jefferson County Commissioners got their first look at a proposed plan to handle the county's sewer debt crisis.  A representative from Citi Group, one of the firms working on a solution to the problem, outlined three sources of revenue that could be applied toward the sewer debt.  The first is using excess money from the one cent education tax.  The second would expand the county's occupational tax to those groups now excluded.  Doctors, lawyers, and architects would now have to pay the fees.  Finally, net revenues from the sewer system would be applied toward the debt.  If those revenues were not sufficient to cover the debt payments property taxes could be increased automatically.

Using excess money from the one cent sales tax and expanding the occupational tax would require legislative approval.  That would mean Governor Bob Riley would have to convene a special session before September 15th in order to put the items on a ballot for the November 4th election.  Riley has said he would only call a special session if the commission unanimously supported a plan to restructure the $3.2 billion sewer debt.  Several lawmakers are urging the governor not to call a special session.

The entire commission will vote Tuesday on the plan and on whether to ask the governor to call a special session.

A public hearing is still scheduled for next Friday, August 8th at 10 a.m. at the Wright Auditorium at Samford University.  Commission President Bettye Fine Collins says the proposal will be outlined in detail at the meeting.

To view the complete plan click here.

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