Alabama: Jefferson Co. probate judge asks for AG opinion on holding sewer referendum
A Birmingham News report begins: A Jefferson County probate court judge on Monday asked Attorney General Troy King whether the county can hold a nonbinding advisory election to consider solutions to the sewer debt crisis.
The Office of the Attorney General has issued previous opinions that counties don't have the authority to include an advisory referendum on a ballot.
The county is asking residents to vote Nov. 4 whether they prefer filing the largest municipal bankruptcy on record or taking other measures to avoid defaulting on the county's $3.2 billion sewer debt.
Judge Alan King sent a one-page letter to the attorney general's office asking:
"Does Jefferson County have the legal authority to include an advisory referendum on the general election ballot absent specific legislative authority, or otherwise."
"If Jefferson County has the legal authority, does Jefferson County have the authority to pay additional costs, if any, such as the printing of ballots, that are associated with the referendum?" -- Judge asks Attorney General King if Jefferson County can hold sewer debt vote - al.com