Second Birmingham Water Works Board Member Seeks to Join Lawsuit Claiming Back Pay

The Continued Controversy

Amid the swirling waters of dispute, the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) is facing more trouble as a second Board member seeks to join a lawsuit against the Board’s Chairperson. This lawsuit deals with halted allowances for some Board members, adding another layer to an already complicated situation.

Origins of the Lawsuit

Lucien Blankenship, a member of the BWWB, filed a suit against the Board’s Chair, Tereshia Q. Huffman, and former General Manager, Michael Johnson. Blankenship’s contention is that his monthly board allowance was unjustly halted. He alleges that Huffman and Johnson were negligent and violated the Fair Standards Labor Act when they discontinued allowances to certain board members, including Blankenship himself. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in Birmingham, Alabama, is charging the defendants with negligence and violation of labor standards.

Increasing Tensions

Dr. George Munchus, another Board member, expressed interest in joining Blankenship’s lawsuit on Tuesday, thereby escalating the situation. Blankenship and Munchus reveal they have not received their board allowances since May 2023. Allegedly, this cessation of payment corresponds to their opposition to a new set of self-governance rules that the Board passed in March. Huffman defended these rules as a way to curtail meddling in the daily business of the BWWB.

Claims and Counterclaims

The defendants Huffman and Burbage stated that as per the new rules, Board members refusing to sign the ethics and governance policy were deemed ineligible for compensation. As such, Huffman insists that Blankenship and Munchus should not receive compensation as they refused to agree to the said policy. Frederic Bolling, Blankenship’s attorney, argued that if the policy were legal and ethical, the other Board members shouldn’t refuse to sign it. As of now, there is no word on whether the BWWB received legal advice or whether the Attorney General’s office has been approached for an opinion.

Merits of the Matter

This continued dispute holds significant implications for the BWWB. According to Chairwoman Huffman, this “meritless lawsuit” is in danger of creating an unnecessary distraction against their primary mission; providing safe water to their community. Nonetheless, Blankenship and Munchus persist with their quest for justice in what is becoming an intense legal battle.

In Summary

The BWWB is currently embroiled in a significant dispute as one of their board members is suing the Board Chair for secretly stopping members’ allowances, igniting a contentious debate that draws more attention and resources away from the day-to-day operations of the board. This demonstration of the deep-seated dissent within the BWWB may potentially impact the board’s operations, making it an essential matter for the entire Birmingham community in the days to come.