Association of County Commissions of Alabama

People working computers at a crisis center.

Alabama county commissions plan mental health push in 2024 legislative session

BY: - November 30, 2023

AUBURN – The Association of County Commissions of Alabama plans to make a push on mental health issues in the 2024 session of the Alabama Legislature. The organization, holding its annual meeting in Auburn this week, plans to support expansion of residential treatment facilities; improved training for corrections officers on mental health crises; additional funding […]

A person stares through a glass window with lettering saying it's for vehicle registration.

The Fee Trap: With pistol permit revenue falling, sheriffs and counties turn to other charges

BY: - September 13, 2023

Few people renewing their vehicle registration fees in Talladega County on Aug. 31 knew the cost had gone up. There’s a new $2 fee on car tags in the county, thanks to a law that passed the Legislature this spring.  It won’t fund a new program. It will offset the local sheriff’s financial losses from […]

People in line to pay tag fees.

The Fee Trap: Why Alabama’s local governments can’t shake fines and charges

BY: - September 12, 2023

When Alabama needs to pay for services, it turns to fees and general charges, or fines and fees in the criminal justice system. Legislators passed almost 60 bills during this spring’s legislative session directing how local governments may raise revenues or spend money. Many generated money for counties, from fundraising events and lodging taxes to […]

Solar panels in a field with colorful autumn trees in background

Lawrence County’s request for road money sparks discussion about Alabama incentives

BY: - July 26, 2023

A northern Alabama county seeking money for a road project faced tough questions Monday from a state board that oversees funding. The Alabama Industrial Access Road & Bridge Corporation committee agreed to pay almost the entire cost of a $1.66 million project in Lawrence County that provides First Solar, a company based in Arizona, with […]