Too little too late? Birmingham mayor and council unite against water works takeover
In a united front against state legislation poised to regionalize the Birmingham Water Works Board, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and city council members gathered outside City Hall on April 29, 2025. The proposed bill, which could go to a final House vote soon, aims to restructure the board—reducing Birmingham’s representation and increasing influence from surrounding areas, prompting accusations of a political power grab.
“This is not in the best interest of our citizens,” Woodfin stated, emphasizing that local ratepayers deserve priority in discussions concerning their utility. Currently, the board comprises nine members, with six from Birmingham and three from surrounding counties. The new legislation would trim the board to seven members, granting just two seats to Birmingham.
Council President Darrell O’Quinn condemned the bill as a clear violation of local authority, expressing solidarity among council members against the legislative move. While he did not confirm plans for a potential lawsuit if the bill passes, he noted ongoing dialogues with concerned legislators from both parties.
Despite strong rhetoric, the event did not present a concrete action plan, leaving some residents frustrated. Critics on social media described the city’s response as inadequate, demanding clearer next steps and expressing disappointment over the lack of a definitive strategy to combat the legislation. The sentiment was echoed by radio callers who described the conference as mere political theater, urging city leaders to take meaningful action rather than simply vocal opposition.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2025/04/too-little-too-late-birmingham-mayor-and-council-unite-against-water-works-takeover.html
