In a legislative move that has stirred significant controversy, Alabama lawmakers have approved a measure to alter the governance of the Birmingham Water Works Board, the state’s largest water authority. The legislation aims to transfer control from city officials to a regional panel dominated by state and suburban representatives. This shift has reignited a long-standing and divisive debate.
The contentious bill, which supporters argue would avert potential crises similar to those experienced by Jackson, Mississippi, or Detroit, Michigan, has drawn criticism for potentially undermining the influence of Birmingham’s predominantly Black population. Currently, Birmingham city leaders appoint a majority of the board members, giving them substantial sway over water management decisions such as rate adjustments and infrastructure projects.
If enacted, the proposed legislation, SB330, will restructure the board, reducing its size from nine to seven members. The mayor of Birmingham and the city council will have the authority to appoint only two members. The rest will be selected by Alabama’s governor, lieutenant governor, and the presidents of three adjacent county commissions.
Although the Birmingham Water Works Board serves five counties, the city itself houses over 40% of its customer base, with nearly all users located within Jefferson County. Proponents suggest this change grants neighboring counties, which are home to key water reservoirs, a more balanced say in water management.
The bill was introduced by Republican lawmakers from Birmingham suburbs, who believe that the restructured board will escalate operational efficiency. They highlight aging infrastructure and insufficient investment as factors leading to exorbitant water rates, necessitating change. Republican Rep. Jim Carns emphasized widespread dissatisfaction with water quality and costs in his district, Blount County, which would gain representation on the new board.
Noteworthy is the Water Works Board’s financial status; it had about $1 billion in debt as of 2023 but retains a strong credit rating. However, controversies over transparency and billing mishaps, compounded by past ethics scandals, have eroded public trust in the board’s operations.
In response, some Alabama Democrats acknowledged imperfections in the current board but criticized the bill as a significant political maneuver that disproportionately dilutes the power of Birmingham’s Black community. Democratic Rep. Kelvin Datcher expressed disapproval over the rhetoric used in debates and questioned the effectiveness of the new board structure in addressing supposed inefficiencies.
Furthermore, Democratic legislators voiced frustration over being sidelined during the bill’s development process. Rep. Neil Rafferty of Birmingham condemned the lack of local consultation, arguing that decision-makers had been marginalized.
Echoing these concerns, Birmingham’s mayor, Randall Woodfin, and city council members publicly decried the legislation as a politically motivated takeover, detrimental to city residents. Mayor Woodfin insisted that ratepayers should play a central role in these deliberations.
Having passed largely along party lines, with a vote of 66 to 27, the measure now moves to the desk of Republican Governor Kay Ivey for potential enactment.