News Summary
The Alabama House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 330, shifting control of the Birmingham Water Works Board to a regional board. The bill aims to improve governance and service delivery but faces criticism from local leaders who fear loss of local control. The legislation proposes 8 board members with varied appointing powers, raising concerns about representation and community impact.
Birmingham, Alabama – The Alabama House of Representatives has voted 66 to 27 in favor of Senate Bill 330 (SB330), a controversial piece of legislation aimed at restructuring the governance of the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB). The bill, which passed with unanimous support in the Alabama Senate prior to the House vote, will transition control of the BWWB from the City of Birmingham to a newly formed regional board.
Under the forthcoming law, the BWWB will be governed by eight board members, with varied appointing powers. The Board will comprise appointments from the Birmingham mayor, the Birmingham City Council, the Jefferson County Commission, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and representatives from both Blount County and Shelby County. Previously, the board included nine members, predominantly appointed by Birmingham officials, with a significant number selected by the city’s mayor and city council.
Birmingham holds a critical stake in the BWWB, accounting for approximately 41% of its customers. Furthermore, around 90% of the board’s customer base is situated in Jefferson County. The shift towards a regional governance structure has prompted significant pushback from local leaders, including Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who characterized it as a politically motivated maneuver weakening the voice of the city’s ratepayers.
Numerous Birmingham-area lawmakers and city officials have openly opposed the legislation, claiming it undermines local control and governance. Several amendments proposed to bolster Birmingham representation in the new governance framework were rejected during the legislative process.
The bill’s sponsors, including Sen. Dan Roberts and Rep. Jim Carns, argue that the restructuring is necessary for enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction, referencing long-standing governance concerns. Meanwhile, the debate has highlighted historical and racial dimensions, with apprehensions that the bill may shift authority away from a majority-Black city to predominantly white suburbs.
Some representatives have condemned the legislation as an assault on local governance, criticizing the legislature’s Republican supermajority for sidelining local lawmakers. Conversely, Rep. Jim Carns has styled the bill as “the miracle on Goat Hill,” despite the backlash it has generated.
In addition to altering board composition, the bill stipulates that all members must have relevant experience in business, finance, or engineering, broadening the qualifications for directorship. The BWWB has faced challenges in customer satisfaction, ranking last among 21 mid-sized water systems in the Southern U.S. according to J.D. Power. If signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey, the BWWB will be mandated to transition to the new governance structure immediately.
The legislation also includes provisions necessitating board members to undergo annual training in ethics laws and ensures that financial reports are publicly accessible. However, critics warn that this bill may disrupt ongoing improvements and planned infrastructure projects for the water utility, arguing that progress has been made effectively under the current governance model.
The leadership of the BWWB has expressed its opposition to the proposed bill, pointing out recent advancements achieved under the existing board. The widespread implications of this legislation not only affect local governance but also raise critical questions about the future service quality and community representation in decisions affecting Birmingham’s crucial water supply.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Alabama Lawmakers Take Control of Birmingham Water Works Board
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- WVTM13: Birmingham Water Works Bill Passes House
- Google Search: Birmingham Water Works Board
- Alabama Reporter: Bill to Reshape Birmingham Water Works Board
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- ABC3340: Bill Overhauling Birmingham Water Works Board
- Google News: Birmingham Water Works Bill
- 1819 News: Birmingham Water Works Board Overhaul
