Alabama County To Lay Off More Than 500 Employees

BIRMINGHAM, Ala (AP) — Jefferson County employees are beginning to receive layoff notices as a result of an effort to cut more than $12 million from the 2011 budget.
Jefferson County human resources officials say 546 letters will be distributed to workers who will be placed on leave.
County officials say they predicted more than 900 county employees would lose their jobs following budget re-evaluations.
County leaders were trying to determine whether additional layoffs would be needed or whether department heads found ways to reduce expenses to avoid some layoffs. So far, the layoffs have not included county commission support staff