Birmingham Water Works Board Lawsuit Dismissed, Ethics Policy Under Scrutiny

Birmingham Water Works Legal Dispute Dismissed by Judge

Birmingham—In a recent development concerning the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB), a Jefferson County judge has dismissed a lawsuit initiated by two board members against Board Chair Tereshia Huffman. This lawsuit stemmed from allegations made by members George Munchus and Lucien Blankenship over the denial of their monthly stipends.

Background of the Lawsuit

The roots of the dispute trace back to this summer when Munchus joined Blankenship’s lawsuit alleging that Huffman blocked Blankenship from receiving a monthly stipend of $1,000. The issue is centered around a refusal to sign a “loyalty pledge” tied to the board’s newly adopted self-governing policy. Both members claimed their payments were denied due to standing firm against the policy in April 2023, which enforces significant ethics requirements and training for board members.

Details of the Self-Governing Policy

The self-governing policy, implemented in April 2023, stipulates that any board members who fail to comply with the new ethics requirements will forfeit their expense allowance until they comply. Munchus reported he has been without his stipend for over a year, attributing the denial to his refusal to sign the board’s policy.

Judge’s Ruling

On Thursday, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Javan Patton dismissed the case, a decision which Huffman welcomed. “We are pleased with the court moving quickly to dismiss this case,” she stated in a response to the court’s ruling. “Our board is committed to being held to the highest ethical standards, and that is the basis of our directors’ pledge. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on providing high-quality water and customer care to those we serve.”

Responses from the Involved Parties

Munchus, who is the longest-serving member of the BWWB, expressed his discontent with only stating, “no comment … except this issue is not yet over.” Efforts made to contact Blankenship for further comment were unsuccessful.

The Allegations of Negligence

Blankenship’s suit alleged negligence on the part of Huffman and the former General Manager, Michael Johnson. In his claim, Blankenship stated that the two had violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by discontinuing his board allowance payments last year. He is seeking a court order to compel the BWWB to pay “the full amount of unpaid meeting expenses” along with damages and attorney’s fees. Munchus had sought to intervene as an additional plaintiff in Blankenship’s lawsuit, further complicating the ongoing legal matter.

The Board’s Stance on Ethics

Huffman has continuously reiterated the reason for the board’s push towards higher ethical standards. “Anyone who reads the BWWB’s Director Pledge will agree that there are no statements included within it which could be considered unreasonable or unexpected by the public,” she noted. Huffman argues that the pledge signifies a meaningful step in ensuring compliance with Alabama’s ethics laws, especially in an era where prior boards had faced criticism for their actions.

Conclusion

As the Birmingham Water Works Board moves forward from the dismissal of this lawsuit, the focus will remain on adhering to their enhanced ethics policy and ensuring that they continue to provide quality services for the community. With ongoing tensions and legal challenges, the board’s ability to navigate these issues while maintaining public trust will be imperative in the coming months.