ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsJeffCo Delegation supports removal of John Young

Jefferson County lawmakers may not agree on a general fund fix for the county yet. But they all believe sewer receiver John Young is not necessary. They unanimously passed a resolution for him to be permanently stripped of his control over the sewer system.

"if we can't get him to do some of the things the people want then I think he should be removed," said Senator Priscilla Dunn, (D) Bessemer.

"If the receiver stays there, we lose the fight. The county commission loses the fight," said Representative Jim Carns, (R) Vestavia Hills.

When the county goes into bankruptcy court Monday to fight for Young's removal, they'll have a resolution from lawmakers recognizing a "difficult and controversial" filing and unanimous support from lawmakers.

"They've worked really hard for months and months. Everything they've tried seems to have fallen apart. I think it's about time we get together and do something positive," said Dunn.

"I'm very hopeful we'll find a solution to refund the county to the extent of bringing people back to work and reducing the lines," said Representative Rod Scott, (D) Birmingham.

Going into this regular session in February, they'll have help from a former commissioner who saw the financial fall coming years ago.

"This is a very complex thing. I didn't get it from one meeting. I got it from laboriously soaking in the problem," said Carns.

Carns believes once others understand it, they'll come to another agreement over the general fund shortfall.

"I think we are finally at a crossroads where we can finally start the solution process," said Carns.

Lawmakers say there wasn't a lack of willingness to help before, just no signed settlement.

They will hold regular meetings to keep the lines of communication open to find a general fund fix.