Jefferson County Barber Commission

The Jefferson County Barber Commission is an elected commission responsible for regulating barbers and barber shops in Jefferson County. It was established in 1951 and consists of three members who serve rotating 3-year terms. Only licensed barbers are eligible to vote and commission members often keep their seats because no challengers apply. The commission is financed by a $40 per year fee from all licensed barbers. Commissioners earn $105 each for attending monthly meetings with the remainder of the budget going toward administrative costs and the expense of conducting inspections.

During the 2008 municipal elections barber George Thigpen III qualified to challenge long-term member and commission chair Donald Mathews for his seat. The result was a 46-46 tie. Mathews won the run-off by a vote of 87-34. Thigpen was dismissed a week later from duties he had performed on behalf of the commission - conducting inspections and collecting licensing fees.

References

• Ray, Tiffany (September 2, 2008) "Election to lead Jefferson County's Barber Commission spurs turnout; did firing ensue?" Birmingham News