The Budget and Finance Committee approved sending to the full Jefferson County Quorum Court a reallocation of more than $172,000 within the county’s Road Department budget on Monday, shifting salary funds to adjust pay for existing employees while eliminating several vacant positions, a move that sparked debate among justices over staffing levels and road conditions.
The ordinance reallocates $172,463.60 within Fund 2000, affecting 24 existing positions and removing four unfilled slots. Despite the changes, officials said the adjustment will not increase the overall county budget and reflects a slight decrease in the department’s total funding compared with last year.
During the discussion, one justice questioned the decision to cut positions while residents continue to raise concerns about road conditions.
“I don’t want to talk about eliminating slots when we have been saying we need more people to get more work done,” said Justice Cedric Jackson. “Why would we eliminate slots, getting ready for this?”
Hardin defended the restructuring, arguing that eliminating vacant positions does not necessarily reduce operational capacity.
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“If the slot is not filled, it’s not going to make a difference,” said Justice Patricia Royal-Johnson. “What people need to do is look at the record and see who votes for what and who has voted against on road issues.”
The debate grew more pointed as some members voiced frustration with the condition of county roads and the message the decision could send to residents.
“I don’t understand why any justice would sit here and vote to eliminate slots out of an already weak and failing road department,” said Johnson. “People have seen the terrible road conditions. We have to sometimes take it upon ourselves to handle the business of the people.”
At one point, Johnson cautioned that the way financial measures were being presented could hinder approval, urging clearer separation of expenses.
“I suggest that you separate these bills out and list what they are for,” he said. “It’s never going to pass like this. Month after month, you’ll keep bringing the same thing up and hear the same no.”
Others warned the move could set a broader precedent for other county offices.
“We’re setting a different precedent for other elected officials,” said Justice Reginald Adams. “If we cut slots to give raises here, others may want to do the same, and that could create problems down the line.”
Despite the concerns, supporters of the measure emphasized that the changes had been discussed extensively and framed the vote as a necessary step to move forward.
“We’ve had this discussion about the road department for a long time,” Hardin said. “At some point, we have to vote up or down.”
In addition to the Road Department changes, the Quorum Court approved several other financial measures, including a $3,151.94 transfer within the Buildings and Grounds fund to address negative balances and a $75,000 appropriation for a newly created legal account to cover attorney fees and anticipated expenses for the remainder of the year.
County Judge Gerald Robinson, who was absent from the committee meeting, requested an appropriation of $75,000 for legal expenses, which includes $43,541.60 to pay past-due invoices for attorneys Terry Wynne ($22,916.60), Burt Newell ($4,343.50), and the firm of Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull ($16,281.50). The remaining $31,458.40 is intended to ensure adequate funds are available for legal expenses for the rest of 2026.