Judge: JeffCo can't use sewer funds for legal, maintenance costs | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- The judge presiding over the Jefferson County bankruptcy proceedings has officially rejected Jefferson County's request to use sewer funds to pay their legal fees and sewer maintenance costs.

This will be yet another drain on the county's finances, since they will likely have to cover these costs from reserve funds. However, the county's creditors are satisfied with this ruling because many of them didn't want the county to deplete sewer funds to pay off their debt.

[PDF: Click here to read the full ruling from Judge Bennett]

Jefferson County Commission President David Carrington released the following statement about the ruling:

The County and our attorneys are carefully reviewing the Court's opinion.  Among other things, we note that the Court's ruling maintains the status quo – the Indenture applies, the County can continue to operate the System, and the County's sewer professionals have the resources they need to continue providing vital services to the community.  Our work on the proposed plan of adjustment continues, and will not be greatly affected by today's decision, which applies strictly during the pendency of this bankruptcy case.  Finally, we are once again grateful for Judge Bennett's careful consideration of the issues and arguments and his stewardship of this case.

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