JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- Expect lots of news today from Montgomery. It is the final day of the regular legislative session and lawmakers must decide on the general budget and education budget.

Jefferson County has a lot riding on decisions lawmakers make or don't make today. With the last day of the session comes the final chance for Jefferson County commissioners to get a funding fix out of the state legislature.

The distressed counties bill will be in the Alabama House. It will allow the county to levy a new occupational tax or a sales tax to fill a $40-million hole. Many in the delegation oppose the plan without using some of the funds for Cooper Green Mercy Hospital from the indigent care fund. Some newly revealed financial problems may make lawmaker's approval of any additional funds for the county more uncertain.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Birmingham will have its first budget, without any debt in it since the recession began, if Mayor Bell's recommendations are put into action for the next fiscal year.

Bell's budget blueprint released today calls for spending $365 million and using no money from loans or the city's reserve funds.

There are four focus areas in the budget: jobs, building neighborhoods, public safety and efficient government.

The mayor says part of the more than $300 million dollars should be used to open four new recreation facilities in the Oxmoor area, eastern area, Fountain Heights and Brownsville Heights.

The mayor also proposes reinstating the five percent merit raises for city employees. He says it's time to reward employees who have gone without.