The Jefferson County Commission’s committee meeting was nearly over, but there was still one thing to do before President Jimmie Stephens adjourned the session.

Millie Diliberto, a Stephens staffer, stepped out of the room and reentered with a green birthday cake. Stephens, like the late commission President Larry Langford, was born on March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day.

Stephens earlier joked that he always partied on his birthday because of it falls on the religious and cultural holiday dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland.

The commission president said all birthdays are precious but this one — his 75th — is special because of all the health problems he has had.

“It means so much to me that my fellow commissioners, staff and employees here of Jefferson County think enough of me to do this,” Stephens said. “It touches my heart and I certainly appreciate that. God bless each and every one of you. I’m here because of your thoughts and your prayers.”

The commissioner acknowledged last week having received a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which came back completely clear.

“Now they have changed the intervals where I double the time in between (scans),” he said. “All of that was very, very, very encouraging. I was blessed to be where I am, and I am truly a blessed individual. I’m thankful for the ability to continue what I do.”

Brasfield & Gorrie Expansion

Earlier, commissioners moved to the agenda of Thursday’s meeting a resolution to potentially provide a jobs grant to Brasfield & Gorrie for the expansion of its headquarters campus. The expansion includes a new office tower, parking deck expansion, a new training and event center and a wellness center.

The company is making a $64,584,500 investment with $2,884,500 for land, $56,100,000 for building and $5,600,000 for equipment. The jobs grant would be capped at $240,000. Brasfield & Gorrie’s expansion will produce 80 new jobs with an average hourly wage of $39.51.

“I really appreciate what y’all have done and people before you,” said Matt Kelly, the company’s project director. “When I started in 1991, we were doing about $250 million a year, and now we’re getting close to $6 billion next year. And Mr. Gorrie (M. Miller Gorrie, the founder) has always said our headquarters will always be in Birmingham, Alabama. He’s always been committed to this community and he’s always trying to give back to what y’all (have) given to him.”