Birmingham, Alabama, July 23, 2025
News Summary
The Central Alabama Water Board is reevaluating its contract with the Birmingham Business Resource Center over concerns regarding excessive payments and the benefits received. Board member Phillip Wiedmeyer raised alarms about $35,000 monthly invoices set to increase in 2025, deeming the benefits received to be insufficient for the costs associated. The board opted to table the invoice payments and consider reverting payments to a previous amount of $20,000 per month as it examines the contract’s compliance and value.
Birmingham, Alabama — The Central Alabama Water Board, formerly known as Birmingham Water Works, is currently evaluating its contract with the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC) amid concerns regarding excessive payments and the value of services received. During a recent meeting, the board reviewed three invoices, each amounting to $35,000, which were labeled as “For Professional Services” by board vice chair Phillip Wiedmeyer.
Wiedmeyer has raised significant concerns about the BBRC contract, including the planned increase in payments set to rise to $35,000 per month in 2025. The contract has not been fully executed for the year, which added to Wiedmeyer’s reluctance to approve the pending invoices. He indicated that the benefits offered by BBRC do not have tangible effects on the Central Alabama Water Board’s objectives.
BBRC’s primary mission focuses on aiding minority-owned businesses and contractors in securing financing and enhancing their overall financial stability. The organization’s website presents it as a “one-stop-shop” for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the promotion of small business growth, accessing capital, and increasing employment opportunities through business expansion.
Despite BBRC’s stated goals, Wiedmeyer expressed that the perceived benefits to the utility appear indirect, and thus insufficient to justify the costs. Currently, Central Alabama Water is recognized as a sponsor of BBRC, in conjunction with other sponsors, including Regions Bank, Wells Fargo, the City of Birmingham, and Jefferson County.
During the meeting, a discussion emerged between Wiedmeyer and board member Jarvis Patton, Sr., who questioned whether Wiedmeyer had previously supported BBRC’s program. In light of the ongoing concerns, the board ultimately decided to table the invoice payments while also considering a motion to terminate the contract altogether. The board amended the motion to revert to payments of $20,000 per month due to the contract’s incomplete status.
The board instructed its legal team to examine the legality of the services rendered by BBRC to ensure compliance with regulations. Ultimately, the motion to revert payment amounts passed, although Patton opposed this resolution. This discussion is part of a broader reevaluation of decisions made by the board, which has recently annulled a $660,000 contract put in place shortly before the reconstitution of the board by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Another board member, Jeffrey Brumlow, characterized the prior contract as “incredibly one-sided,” asserting it undermined the interests of ratepayers, employees, and pensioners. This evaluation highlights ongoing scrutiny and efforts by the newly restructured board to reassess financial commitments and ensure responsible governance.
An editor’s note clarified that the recent meeting was chaired by vice chair Phillip Wiedmeyer rather than chairman Thomas Hudson, as had been inaccurately reported earlier.
FAQ Section
What is the current issue facing the Central Alabama Water Board?
The board is reviewing its contract with the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC) due to concerns about high payments and the value received from the services.
What are the payments under discussion?
Three invoices of $35,000 each have been proposed for payment, along with concerns about an impending increase in contract payment to $35,000 per month starting in 2025.
What services does the BBRC provide?
BBRC focuses on assisting minority-owned businesses and contractors in financing, promoting small business growth, and supporting employment opportunities through business expansion.
What actions did the Central Alabama Water Board take during the meeting?
The board decided to table the payment of invoices and considered terminating the contract, while reverting payment amounts back to the previous $20,000 per month.
Who are the sponsors of BBRC?
The sponsors include Central Alabama Water, Regions Bank, Wells Fargo, the City of Birmingham, and Jefferson County.
Key Features of the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Focus | Assisting minority-owned businesses and contractors |
| Objectives | Promoting small business growth, aiding accessibility of capital, fostering employment opportunities |
| Sponsors | Regions Bank, Wells Fargo, City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Central Alabama Water |
| Current Concerns | High contract payment amounts, lack of direct benefits to utility |
| Recent Actions | Tabling of invoice payments and reconsideration of the contract terms |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 1819 News: Central Alabama Water Cuts Monthly Contract
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- 1819 News: Birmingham Business Resource Center Announces New Funding Initiative
- Google Search: Central Alabama Water Board
- 1819 News: Small Business Trends in Alabama 2023
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
