Staff Report
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A $75,000 agreement to pay for a coordinator who counsels victims of abuse has divided the Jefferson County Commission over what contracts need to be canceled to save cash.
Today, the commission will consider whether to approve a contract to pay for a prevention education coordinator at the Bessemer Cut-Off Advocacy Center that provides counseling sessions for victims of abuse.
Commission President David Carrington said the board needs to make $40 million in cuts and the financially-strapped government must focus on core services. Commissioner Jimmie Stephens said the government can’t turn its back on those most in need.
“I’m not prepared to go to sleep at night knowing that this wouldn’t be there in order to assist an abused child,” Stephens said. There are places we need to cut and must cut. But I am going to draw the line on this one.”
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