Thursday, September 24, 2009

Closing of Bessemer jail will hurt businesses

Downtown Bessemer businesses will be hurt when Sheriff Mike Hale closes the county jail next week, according to a survey of merchants.

Hale yesterday said because the Jefferson County Commission pulled $4 million out of his budget he will shut the Bessemer jail and remove all deputies from security work on the courthouse.

The reduction could mean that most downtown businesses will see their revenue cut by about 10 percent.

The new county courthouse will be ready for occupancy but there is no date for opening because of the financial constraints on the county's budget.

—Tribune staff report


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