Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson has called a special meeting for Monday night in an effort to push through legislation that would pay several county vendors who have gone without compensation for months.
Among those owed are Floyd Donald, who provides state-required video recording services for quorum court meetings; Demarius Mims, who handles cleaning services for the county health department; and County Attorney Terry Wynne. Despite the ongoing funding dispute, all three have continued performing their duties without interruption.
Tensions surrounding the issue grew following the most recent quorum court meeting, where Mims exchanged words with Justice Alfred Carroll, who—along with several other justices—voted against the budget line item that would have covered her compensation.
Judge Robinson hoped the special-called meeting would resolve the impasse and allow the county to pay its outstanding obligations. However, several justices have already informed him they will not attend Monday night’s session, raising questions about whether a quorum can be reached.
Justices Melanie Dumas, Reginald Johnson, Rick Victorino, and Margarette Williams have all stated via email they will be unable to participate. Brenda Bishop-Gaddy has also called the County Judge to inform him she will not be in attendance.
With vendor payments now months overdue and no clear resolution in sight, Monday’s meeting is expected to be critical for both county operations and the individuals continuing to work without pay.
