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| Saturday, July 31, 2010 |
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Cutbacks hit court system
Published March 17, 2010
Paperwork fills Jackson County Circuit Clerk Ken Ferrell's office as he runs numbers and does what he can to make sure his office runs effectively and efficiently.
Across the hall, his employees are going wide open as well, seldom slowing down long enough to eat. They do what they do despite being only 69 percent staffed, the third lowest in the state.
“We’re current with all of our filings,” said Ferrell. “I have to pat my employees on the back. They are getting the job done. My concern is how long they can continue at this pace."
Currently, the Jackson County Circuit Clerk's office has nine full time employees. Fully staffed, there would be 15 employees.
"My people are cross-trained," said Ferrell. "They know each other's jobs and can do them."
On Monday, Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb announced the Alabama court system is laying off more than 100 temporary employees in anticipation of severe budget cuts that could force even more court workers out of jobs.
Cobb said the layoffs, which are about four percent of the court system's 2,300 employees, are effective March 31.
"Even with this action, it is possible that further reductions will have to be made," Cobb said.
The temporary employees facing layoffs mostly work in court clerks' offices processing paperwork, according to Scott Mitchell, Cobb's chief of staff.
Ferrell said he currently has two temporary employees. Those employees are paid through money from the Jackson County Legislative Delegation.
"We have enough from the legislative delegation to keep them," said Ferrell.
These are the first major layoffs announced in state government since a new fiscal year began October 1.
Cobb said the layoffs could grow to several hundred if the state does not get additional federal funds or Gov. Bob Riley does not use money from the state's "rainy day" account to soften the blow of budget cuts.
Presiding Circuit Judge Jenifer Holt said she didn't expect judicial staff members to be affected right now.
"Our staff is also limited compared to other circuits," said Holt, adding she fears cutbacks could be imminent if layoffs do continue.
Ferrell said, regardless, his employees continue on.
"I am proud of the work we do," he said. "I am thankful we are up to date. We are staying current with technology even though it's demanding on us right now."
The Associated Press contributed to this story
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