Jefferson County Alabama: Podcast for the People

There are now 2 tax exemptions you can claim if you are over 65 in Jefferson County! Tax Assessor Gaynelle Hendricks explains the difference between the 2 exemptions and how you can claim them. This is a quick listen at under 10 minutes but will help explain this new exemption and how to claim it. The deadline for this year has been extended until the end of April. For more information please visit webpage (click here) or call their office at (205) 325-5506. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

We continue our video and podcast series on 'How They Serve' (and 'Why They Serve') to highlight Jefferson County Employees' remarkable dedication and responsibilities in serving all citizens daily, including their passion behind what they do.Newly appointed, Director for the Department of Revenue for Jefferson County Commission, Wesley 'Scott' Moore, took on his 34-year journey serving the citizens of Jefferson County and the practices he used to elevate in leadership, education and overall work ethic consistently.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Did you get a new TV, computer, coffee pot, or whatever for Christmas? Here's how and when to dispose of old electronics and paper on Jan. 28 at the Birmingham Zoo. Hana Berres, education training coordinator, for our Stormwater Program talks about what you can bring to this FREE event. Every electronic item is recycled and paper is shredded on site. We also have 3 community cleanups on MLK Day and Hana explains why these events are so important and how you can get one in your community. If you have questions please contact the department at 205-325-8741. And, additional information can always be found on our Keep It Clean JeffCo page! #keepitcleanjeffco. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

It's been almost a year since Jefferson County launched its COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. We talk with Nathan Salter in Workforce Development about what assistance has been provided, what funding is still available and about ERAP 2, which is coming down the road. As a reminder, details can be found on our website at: erap.jccal.org and if you have questions, you can contact one of our partner agencies at Birmingham Urban League at 205-326-0162, Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham at 205-328-4292, or Bridge Ministries at 205-930-0309. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Why can't the county fix my drainage issue? Why hasn't the County paved my road? Why doesn't the county pave the Interstate?  Here is a look at what the County can and can't do vs. cities with the Confidential Assistant to the County Manager Justin Smith. Justin has been with the County for more than 10 years. We break down some of the common questions we get, what departments fall under the County vs. State and what organizations sound like they are County related, but aren't. It's a quick 20 minutes. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Today we talk with Sharon Gadbois, public affairs specialist, with the SBA Disaster Loan assistance program. If you experienced damaged in the Oct. 6-7 storms/flooding the deadline is approaching for you to apply for help. They have an office open in the Boardroom at the Hoover Rec center (open Mon-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) or you can call 1-800-659-2955 to get help and more information. You can also apply online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. We talk about what you need to apply, what the loans cover and what the interest and payback time frame is. Take a few minutes and listen if you need help. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

We are now live-streaming all planning and zoning meetings, but we wanted to take a deeper dive into the process, how long it can take, and tips for those coming before the planning and zoning commission. If you ever need to reach the staff of planning and zoning you can call Development Services at 205-325-5321 or email contact_zoning@jccal.org and someone will answer your question. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Want to know how elections work in Jefferson County? This podcast is for you. We talk to the Chair of the Election Commission, the Chair of the Board of Registrars, the Sheriff's office and both Circuit Clerks who handle absentee voting. It's a unique group that works together to make elections happen. Jefferson County is even contracted to execute elections for other cities like the upcoming City of Birmingham Mayoral election. Links to websites mentioned in the podcast:* Jefferson County Board of Registrars* Jefferson County Circuit Clerk (Birmingham division)* Jefferson County Circuit Clerk (Bessemer division)* Voter Frequently Asked QuestionsHave an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

In this episode we talk to our partners that are helping administer Jefferson County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program. For details visit erap.jccal.org for details and an online application. Can't do it online -- no problem you can call our partners for an appointment to walk through the process. Those numbers are Neighborhood Housing Services, 205-328-4292; Birmingham Urban League, 205-326-0162; and Bridge Ministries, 205-930-0309. This program is federally funded and has different guidelines than our previous program due to those guidelines. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Interviewing for a job at Jefferson County is done a little differently. Joining us are Matt Luetjen and Jamie Koladish from our Human Resources Department with a few tips on how to prepare. Want to find out what jobs are open in Jefferson County visit: https://www.jccal.org/Find+A+Job. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

This episode is different. It's audio from Thursday's Commission meeting and guest Liliana Tschanett, from the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance. She and her team will be at the Fultondale Public Library, 500 Byrd Lane, Fultondale, AL 35068, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and this Saturday, April 10 (only) helping people secure loans to help them with recovery. This is for victims of the Jan. 25-26 tornadoes. You can also apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov. or call 1-800-659-2955. This is for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

We are talking trash today! We've had a lot of questions about this transition so we thought we would talk to the Director of Environmental Services, David Denard, and the Vice President of Operations for Amwaste, Rick Sweeney  (the new vendor) to answer some questions. If you have questions about service, your account transition to Amwaste, or anything else call 205-788-1400, or email them at customercare@amwasteusa.com. We are also updating our FAQ at www.jccal.org "Garbage Service Change" page daily. We appreciate your patience as we transition to the new vendor. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

April is national Child Abuse Awareness Month. We talk with Deb Schnider, director of the Children's of Alabama CHIPS Center ( Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services). We discuss what they do, and how to open the door for dialogue on this topic with children. Important: if you believe a child is in immediate danger call 911, if you suspect child abuse call the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources at 205-264-8160 and if you want to reach the CHIPS center call 205-638-2751. For details visit: https://www.childrensal.org/chipsHave an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

March 13 marks the official 'anniversary' of the COVID-19 pandemic in Jefferson County. At this time a year ago the Joint Command was formed. We talked with the heads of the Joint Command, EMA Director Jim Coker, and Director of the Jefferson County Dept. of Health, Dr.  Mark Wilson about the past year. There are personal reflections, surprising moments and discussion about the vaccine and the new COVID-19 variants. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

We talk to Melissa Sizemore, Jefferson County EMA, and Julie Cobb, with the Jefferson County Dept. of Health, and serving on the Unified Command for COVID 19 in Jefferson County. Both give details on where to go to sign up for information (jeffcoema.org - click on the green button) or call the vaccine hotline at 205-858-2221 (Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) to speak to a real person. Also insights into how the process works right now and why. It's a little long (almost 30 minutes) but we think you will find it worth the time. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Interview with Tony Petelos, the first County Manager for Jefferson County. He explains the County Manager form of government and how it works.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

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 35071Classic Car Motoring, 3900 Grants Mill Road, Irondale, AL 35210City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard, 1205 15th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020Hana 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. For more details including the list of items that will be accepted and additional information log on to jccal.org or check our upcoming events on our Facebook page for the flyer.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

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 the nation.Minimum Qualifications are High School Diploma and Driver's License. Also, current High School Seniors with an interest in biology, chemistry and math are also encouraged to prepare now and apply as the position will not begin until the latter part of May 2024. Log on to www.jobsquest.org or call 205-325-5249.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

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

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 come with double letters and misspelled words. If you are unsure about an email, go to companies website and verify. It does NOT hurt to leave a link unopened. 2. Do NOT disclose sensitive information - Most times phishing emails will tell you that the message is URGENT and could result in outcome beyond your control. 3. Verify the legitimacy of emails and calls - Be aware of these tactics used in an attempt to steal information from you including your consent through AI generated voice measures (vishing). If you receive an email or phone call requesting sensitive information or immediate action, independently verify the request through official channels before responding.Be sure to report all phishing emails as spam and to your computer's spyware.We appreciate our Jefferson County's IT Team actively working to help enhance our security measures and providing awareness  of these threats especially among our elderly community, who can often be a target long after the holiday season.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org