Do you have turf envy? Jefferson County Stormwater Education Training Coordinator and Master Gardener Hana Berres tells you the first step to having a beautiful lawn in Jefferson County, AL (hint: it isn't triple 13) and Margaret Tanner, deputy director of Environmental Services, explains why over fertilization is bad for the environment and the sewer system -- costing us millions. Important links: Alabama Cooperative Extension System - Lawn and Garden articles Soil Testing - Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardner Hotline - 1-877-ALA-GROW (252-4769) Have an idea for a County podc ..read more

Jefferson County 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Day Spring Collection event is back by popular demand this Saturday April 13th from 8am to 11:30am at THREE locations: First Baptist Church Gardendale - South, 940 Main Street, Gardendale, AL 35071 Classic Car Motoring, 3900 Grants Mill Road, Irondale, AL 35210 City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard, 1205 15th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020 Hana Berres, with the Stormwater Department stopped by briefly to share with us the importance of the communities participation and how the disposing of hazardous wastes properly affects our safety. &nbs ..read more

Land Development in Jefferson County can be a long grueling process sometimes filled with disappointment when you are unaware of pre-existing challenges that could prevent projects from being approved before the Jefferson County Commission.  Jefferson County Zoning Administrator Michael Morrison joins us in this episode to provide insight and tips that land developers, or those who have projects in mind, should be aware of that will same them time and resources on the front end when faced with zoning regulations. For more information contact Jefferson County Department of Development Se ..read more

Margaret Tanner, Deputy Director in Jefferson County's Environmental Services Department stopped by Jefferson County's Podcast for the People to give valuable information, insight on career advancement and specific details on the Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprenticeship position where applications are currently being accepted. Learn all about how securing a job as a Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprentice can set the path for a rewarding career in Environmental Services including gaining the knowledge and skills that will help scale competitive pay in any similar field across ..read more

With primary elections just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you are voter ready. In this episode we talk to Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Registrars about what people need to know and where they can check their information. Pro Tip: visit Alabama Votes or our website jccal.org for helpful links.  Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org ..read more

In this episode of Jefferson County's Podcast for the People, Jefferson County's Information Technology Security Officer, Cedric Norfleet, Jr. discusses crucial tips on how to prevent against the phishing which is a fraudulent practice used by sending emails or other messages from scammers pretending to be reputable companies such as retailers (Amazon, Target, etc.)  in order to make individuals reveal personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Top Three Preventative Tips against the Dangers of Phishing1. Do NOT click on any suspicious links - Phishing emails usually ..read more

In this episode of Jefferson County's Podcast for the People, we take a look at how the Human Resources Department is impacting the workforce by adding value to all employees who come on board with Jefferson County. Chief Human Resources Officer Melody Banks tells us about her role as she leads with a dedicated team, she also  gives us an up close look at what potential employees can expect when they apply for positions posted weekly on our social media platforms as well as how they can prepare for opportunities that open. We also learn how the HR Department is reshaping their team to inc ..read more

Thanksgiving in the South usually means frying something, whether its a turkey, chicken or whatever.  Dana Gray from our Environmental Services Department wants you to know there is a better way to dispose of your household cooking grease. There are 21 locations in the county where you can go pick up a free plastic container, fill it up, return it, and get another one. Our partner, Birmingham Hyde and Tallow, recycles that grease and turns it into animal feed, biofuels, and cleaning products. Doing this keeps your pipes at home from clogging up and our sewer lines from overflowing. So sto ..read more

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND the Household Hazardous Waste Event will take place on Saturday October 21, 2023 from 8am - 11:30am at two locations: Camp Bessemer, 3295 King Street, 35023 and Camp Ketona, 121 County Shop Road, 35217.  Learn all about what you can bring out to properly dispose of and help save our environment! For more information call 205-325-8741. ********************************************************************************************** 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Event Schedule  January 27, 2024 – Electronic and paper shredding 9am-11:30am  Birmingham Zoo,&n ..read more

Dr. Frederick Hamilton, Jefferson County Director of Community Services, walks us through the process of the Community Development Block Grant and the eligibility requirements according to federal regulations. How do you apply for the county’s CDBG funds.  To apply for the county’s CDBG funds you can attend one of the Department’s Open Season meetings. The meetings schedule is presented below:  October 10, 20236:00 p.m.  November 2, 20236:00 p.m.  December 5, 202310:00 a.m.  Note:  You must pre-register to attend the meeting with the Department of Community Se ..read more