Birmingham, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Mark Parnell, the ex-attorney for the Birmingham Water Works Board, has initiated legal action against Central Alabama Water and its board members, citing wrongful termination and a conspiracy to harm his reputation. Parnell claims he was unfairly dismissed shortly after a legislative overhaul restructured the board. He seeks over $1.3 million in damages for back pay and benefits, highlighting the lack of consultation during his termination process. The lawsuit raises critical concerns about management transitions and the integrity of public utilities.
Birmingham
Mark Parnell, the former attorney for the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB), has filed a lawsuit against Central Alabama Water (CAW) and individual board members alleging wrongful termination and a conspiracy to damage his professional reputation. Parnell claims he was unlawfully dismissed from his position as Deputy General Manager/General Counsel shortly after the board underwent a significant legislative overhaul.
Parnell held his position with BWWB from 1988 until June 2, 2025, when he was let go. His hiring occurred less than 24 hours prior to the signing of a new law by Governor Kay Ivey that restructured the BWWB, shifting it to a seven-member board mostly composed of members appointed from outside Birmingham. Parnell’s employment was intended to provide stability during this transition, according to his assertions.
In the lawsuit, Parnell alleges that his contract included a provision requiring a supermajority vote for his termination and that he was owed significant compensation due to his dismissal. Specifically, he seeks back pay, benefits, and other payments that could exceed $1.3 million. Parnell’s attorney underscored that the new board had preconceived notions about him and proceeded with his termination without consulting executive management.
On the day Parnell learned of his termination, he was at the hospital attending to his terminally ill wife, who was suffering from breast cancer. He contends that he overheard disparaging remarks about his service made by board members during a meeting. Critiques from board members, particularly Jeff Brumlow, highlighted doubts about the integrity of Parnell’s legal advice. Brumlow also noted concerns regarding the ethical nature of the termination process.
Amid the allegations of wrongful behavior, Parnell had previously attempted to communicate with CAW’s new board members but reported that they did not respond to his invitations for individual meetings. The lawsuit emphasizes Parnell’s extensive institutional knowledge and its importance in maintaining the utility’s operations, especially amidst a transition in leadership.
In his claims, Parnell points to a supposed breach of contract, wrongful termination, and involvement in a conspiracy to undermine his reputation. He has named several of the new board members in the suit, further stressing the alleged intent to disrupt his career. As Parnell embarks on this legal battle, he has requested a jury trial and a reaffirmation of the validity of his employment contract.
Central Alabama Water has acknowledged receipt of the lawsuit but is unable to comment due to the ongoing nature of the litigation. As the case unfolds, it highlights not only the deeper issues surrounding management transitions and legal practices within public utilities but also the human aspect of Parnell’s personal struggles during this tumultuous period.
Background Context
The Birmingham Water Works Board has historically served a vital role in ensuring water service continuity for the residents of Central Alabama. The recent legislative restructuring aimed to ensure effective governance and accountability, yet it has sparked controversy particularly surrounding employment agreements, internal management practices, and the complexities of terminating veteran officials.
Key Features of the Lawsuit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Claimant | Mark Parnell, former attorney for BWWB |
| Defendants | Central Alabama Water and individual board members |
| Nature of Claims | Wrongful termination, breach of contract, conspiracy to damage reputation |
| Employment Duration | 1988 – June 2, 2025 |
| Seeking | Back pay, benefits, total exceeding $1.3 million |
| Legal Context | Claims include stipulations for supermajority vote for termination |
| Current Status | Ongoing litigation; Central Alabama Water unable to comment |
FAQ
What prompted Mark Parnell to file a lawsuit?
Mark Parnell filed a lawsuit following his termination from Central Alabama Water, alleging wrongful dismissal and a conspiracy to damage his reputation.
What are the key claims made in Parnell’s lawsuit?
Parnell’s lawsuit claims wrongful termination, breach of contract, and interference with his professional reputation, seeking financial compensation that exceeds $1.3 million.
What changes occurred at the Birmingham Water Works Board?
A legislative overhaul transformed the Birmingham Water Works Board into a seven-member board with most members appointed from outside Birmingham, leading to Parnell’s termination shortly after his hiring.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13: Longtime Birmingham Water Works Board Attorney Suing Over Termination
- WBRC: Former Birmingham Water Works Board Attorney Suing BWWB New Board Members
- 1819 News: AG Marshall: We Do Not Believe Former Birmingham Water Works Board Members Had Authority to Transfer Assets to City
- ABC 3340: Birmingham Water Works Faces Overhaul Amid Allegations of Mismanagement, Theft
- Wikipedia: Birmingham Water Works Board
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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