Birmingham's Majority Control of Water Works Board at Risk: Proposed Legislative Changes

Proposed legislation could significantly alter the Birmingham Water Works Board by redistributing power from Birmingham to the surrounding regions. Under this measure, Birmingham would lose its majority, gaining only one vote. Introduced by Senator Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, the bill aims to create a regional authority and empower new officials. Concerns about maintenance, funding, and rate structures have fueled this initiative, alongside political tensions over representation. Critics worry this could diminish Birmingham’s needs and autonomy within the utility.