News Summary
Sheila Tyson and Jarvis Patton have been appointed to the new Birmingham Water Works Board as legal challenges loom over the board’s restructuring. The City Council opposes amendments to the board’s incorporation, emphasizing the need for city representation as governance shifts. Tyson and Patton aim to advocate for Birmingham’s interests while facing reduced representation on the board, which has raised concerns in the community. An inaugural meeting is set as court proceedings continue regarding the new law’s implications.
Birmingham – The City of Birmingham has appointed Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson and former Birmingham City Council Administrator Jarvis Patton as its representatives on the new seven-member regional Birmingham Water Works Board. This development comes amidst ongoing legal challenges facing the city regarding a state law that was enacted on May 7, aimed at regionalizing the governance of the Birmingham Water Works Board.
The Birmingham City Council President, Darrell O’Quinn, underscored the importance of having city representation in discussions related to the water board. As part of this necessity, the City Council has passed a resolution opposing any amendments to the Water Works Board’s certificate of incorporation.
In an effort to preempt the law, the City of Birmingham filed a lawsuit against Governor Kay Ivey on May 6, requesting an injunction to prevent her from signing the bill into law. Despite these efforts, the Governor did sign the law, prompting a federal court hearing scheduled for May 15 to discuss the city’s request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
The newly formed regional Birmingham Water Works Board is expected to convene for its inaugural meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The board will consist of members beyond Tyson and Patton, including Thomas C. Hudson Jr., who was appointed by Governor Ivey, Bill Morris, the general manager of Leeds Water Works appointed by Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Jeffery Brumlow, an attorney and former county commissioner appointed by the Shelby County Commission, David Standridge, a retired police captain and State Representative appointed by Blount County, and Phillip R. Wiedmeyer, an engineer appointed by Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens.
Notably, the new law alters the balance of power in the Water Works Board, reducing Birmingham’s representation from six out of nine board seats to just two out of seven. This shift has raised concerns among city leaders and the public regarding the implications for local governance and oversight of water services.
Sheila Tyson has expressed her commitment to representing the interests of Birmingham locals, explaining that she was approached for the position rather than seeking it out herself. She acknowledged the difficulties of being one of only two representatives from the city on this new board and reiterated her accountability to the community she serves. Tyson plans to maintain open lines of communication with her constituents through town hall meetings and Zoom calls to ensure they remain informed about board actions and decisions.
Jarvis Patton also conveyed his sense of honor in being appointed to the board. He highlighted his intentions to focus on public service, aiming to benefit the residents of Birmingham in his new role. Both appointees are dedicated to advocating for the citizens’ interests as they navigate the challenges associated with their responsibilities on the board.
Wesley Wyatt, in a separate legal action, has filed a federal lawsuit addressing the termination of the former Water Works Board. His petition seeks to halt any actions by the previous board following the law’s implementation on May 7.
In summary, the appointment of Sheila Tyson and Jarvis Patton to the newly regionalized Birmingham Water Works Board arrives at a critical time for the City of Birmingham, which is actively challenging the legal basis for the board’s restructuring. The upcoming board meeting and legal proceedings will likely determine the future direction of water service governance in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times
- Wikipedia: Birmingham
- AL.com
- Google Search: Birmingham Water Works Board
- Yellowhammer News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Supply
- CBS 42
- Google Scholar: Birmingham Water Works legal battle
