WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, ALMadison County circuit court anticipating layoffs

Financial problems are leading to layoffs in the near future for the Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office.

14 key employees will lose their jobs, and that will affect services for the taxpayers of Madison County.

Late Tuesday, the Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office received official word that there will be layoffs. There isn't enough money to fund state government. So the clerk's office is hoping the county commission can step in and help.

"These are the worst times our court system has ever faced," said Madison County Circuit Clerk Jane Smith.

Madison County is losing 13 employees in the circuit clerk's office, and one court administrator.

Circuit Court Clerk Jane Smith calls the cut backs devastating.

"These people are absolutely vital to the operation of this office. We will not be able to function at the level we function now," said Smith.

The Circuit Clerk's Office, which processes traffic tickets, divorces, prepares dockets and subpoenas and handles money receipts, will have to determine what services will continue to be available with less staff.

"I cannot even imagine how our workload will slow down when we are staffed at 37%," added Smith.

Smith is asking that the county commission step in and help save at least some of these jobs.

In 2003, the county passed a preservation of justice act which increased court costs to help keep trials, civil cases and other court matters running.

Smith said that bill is her only hope of maintaining enough staff to keep the doors open.

"The judges can no longer do their job unless the circuit clerk is able to perform their duties," said Smith.

Those 14 employees will receive notices August 1st, the layoff then becomes effective September 1st.

Smith said she plans to go before the commission soon to see if the jobs can be saved.

Copyright 2011 WAFF. All rights reserved.