Jefferson County Commission v. Edwards

LYONS, Justice.

The Jefferson County Commission, Bettye Fine Collins, Travis Hulsey, and J.T. Smallwood (hereinafter referred to collectively as “the County”)1 appeal from orders entered by the Jefferson Circuit Court on December 23, 2009, and January 15, 2010. This Court expedited the proceedings and heard oral arguments from the parties on April 7, 2010. As to the December 23 order, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand; as to the January 15 order, we reverse and remand.

I. Factual Background

In 1967, the Alabama Legislature enacted Act No. 406, Ala. Acts 1967 (“the 1967 Act”),…