The legislation aimed at restructuring the Birmingham Waterworks Board successfully passed through the Key House Committee on Tuesday and now awaits a decisive vote in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Senator Dan Roberts (R Mountain Brook), the bill, known as SB330, fundamentally alters the governance of the waterworks board. It diminishes Birmingham’s sole control and transforms the board into a regional entity that reflects the various counties served by the system. After discussions and hearings, the House Commerce and Small Business Committee approved the measure.
This legislation comes in response to persistent issues, such as poor customer service, inaccuracies in billing, water quality concerns, and delayed infrastructure investments. Proponents contend that the changes are necessary to improve board operations, enhance accountability, and ensure representation for the entire customer base, not just Birmingham.
If passed, the bill will modify the current nine-member board into regional committees. Birmingham’s mayor and city council will each appoint one member, while seats will also be allocated for representatives from Brandt and Shelby counties, along with appointees from the governor and lieutenant governor. Furthermore, the proposal establishes new professional qualifications for board members, along with ethics and training requirements, and mandates stricter financial reporting.
At a committee meeting on Tuesday, some opponents, including officials from the Birmingham Water Works and Democratic representatives, expressed concerns that the bill essentially represents a state takeover of the utility, potentially jeopardizing current projects, such as significant bond fund upgrades.
In defense of the bill, supporters like Sen. Jabo Wagoner (R-Vestavia Hills) characterized it as a long-overdue reform to tackle systemic problems, referring to the ongoing frustrations voiced by clients across Jefferson County and beyond.
“What we have is a broken system,” Roberts stated during his closing remarks to the committee. “We’ve got to put together an effective board that makes informed decisions.”
With the Senate already approving SB330, it is now poised for the whole House’s final vote. If it passes, this would represent one of the most significant structural adjustments for the Birmingham Waterworks in decades.
Today marks the 26th day of the current legislative session, with four days left for deliberations.
