Alabama Senate Bill 330

Hello Everyone,

Your advocacy is urgently needed by Tuesday, April 29!

Please consider sending a version of the message below to the Representatives listed. Also, encourage others in your network to do the same over the weekend. The State Senate has already passed its version of the bill, and the House Commerce & Small Business Committee meets Tuesday to consider it.

Email to:

jwcarns@gmail.com, adline.clarke@alhouse.gov, Phillip.ensler@gmail.com, berry.forte@alhouse.gov, Sellersfor57@yahoo.com, rhett.marques@alhouse.gov, Brock.colvin@alhouse.gov, Mark.gidley@alhouse.gov, reprigsbydistrict25@gmail.com, troy.stubbs@hotmail.com, ritchiewhorton@gmail.com

Suggested Message:

Dear Members of the Commerce & Small Business Committee,

As a Birmingham Water Works customer, I share the frustrations many have voiced regarding billing errors and high bills. While improvements have been made, greater accountability is still necessary.

However, SB330 is not the solution. It risks weakening the voices of Birmingham and Jefferson County residents—who make up more than 92% of the Water Works' customer base and are most directly impacted by its decisions.

Reforms should focus on strengthening governance and accountability, not shifting control away from the communities that depend on this essential resource every day.

I urge you to pursue reforms that protect ratepayers and respect the voices of the system’s primary stakeholders.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

SB330 SUMMARY

Erosion of Local Control: SB330 proposes restructuring existing municipal water works boards into regional boards. This bill will diminish the appointing authority of the Birmingham City Council over utility services, potentially leading to decisions that do not align with specific community needs.

Potential for Increased Bureaucracy: By expanding the governance structure to include a broader regional representation, the bill may introduce additional layers of bureaucracy. This could slow decision-making processes and reduce the efficiency of water service management.

Unclear Financial Implications: The bill mandates the preparation and public availability of specific financial and statistical records. While transparency is beneficial, the implementation of these requirements could impose additional financial burdens on the board, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers.

Risk of Politicization: The restructuring of board appointments and the emphasis on diverse backgrounds, while well-intentioned, could open the door to politicization. Appointments might be influenced more by political considerations than by expertise in water management.

Disruption of Established Operations: The water works board has developed operational procedures tailored to specific service areas. The proposed changes could disrupt these established practices, leading to transitional challenges and potential service interruptions.

Insufficient Stakeholder Engagement: There is concern that the bill may not have adequately involved all relevant stakeholders, including current board members, municipal leaders, and the communities served. This lack of comprehensive input could result in a governance model that does not fully address the unique needs of all service areas.

Precedent for Future Overreach: By altering the governance structure of municipal utilities, SB330 could set a precedent for state-level intervention in other local services, potentially undermining municipal autonomy in various sectors.

BACKGROUND:

The BWWB was established in 1951 to manage Birmingham's water services, operating under the city's oversight. Over the decades, it expanded its infrastructure and services to meet the growing demands of the region.

In 2001, the BWWB became an independent public corporation, formalizing its separation from direct city control. This transition aimed to provide the board with greater autonomy in managing water resources and infrastructure.

Responding to the utility's service to multiple counties, the Alabama Legislature expanded the board from five to nine members in 2016. This change allowed for appointments from Jefferson, Shelby, and Blount counties, reflecting the BWWB's broader service area.