Birmingham Water Works Board Faces Legal Setbacks Over Stipends and Transparency Issues

Birmingham Water Works Board Faces Legal Challenges

Birmingham—The Birmingham Water Works Board is navigating some legal waters as recent developments regarding board members and their stipends unfold. In a ruling last week, Jefferson County Judge Javon Patton dismissed a lawsuit brought forth by board members Lucien Blankenship and George Munchus. The lawsuit claimed the board penalized them for not signing a controversial loyalty pledge.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit

The lawsuit, which sought compensation for the board’s decision to withhold their $1,000 monthly stipends, was swiftly dismissed by Judge Patton. Her dismissal order was brief and did not provide much context. Tereshia Huffman, chair of the board, expressed her satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “We are pleased with the court moving quickly to dismiss this case.” Huffman emphasized the board’s commitment to ethical standards and the reasoning behind the loyalty pledge.

Munchus, who is the longest-serving board member, contends that he has faced financial retaliation for over a year due to his refusal to sign the board’s self-governance policy. He stands by his belief that some parts of the policy, particularly those that limit the public’s access to information, hinder transparency. Munchus has stated that he supports certain elements of the pledge, such as ongoing ethics training, but disagrees with aspects that he perceives as restrictive.

Concerns Over Transparency

Richard Rice, the attorney representing Munchus, plans to seek alternative legal pathways to continue the fight for the stipend. He believes that the withholding of funds is retaliatory in nature. “We believe the stipend is being withheld in a retaliatory fashion because Blankenship and Munchus have dissented in some of the decisions of the chairwoman and they’ve demanded transparency,” Rice noted.

Both Munchus and Blankenship frequently vote against the majority during board meetings, raising concerns about governance and decision-making within the board.

A Pledge for Accountability

In defending the loyalty pledge, Huffman highlighted that it aims to foster transparency and accountability within the board, ensuring that they are aligned in their mission to serve customers. “We want them to know that not only are we committed, but we’re willing to sign our name to this,” said Huffman. “It was an effort to unify us as one voice, one team committed to do the right thing by our customers.”

Additional Legal Matters

While the lawsuit regarding the stipends has been dismissed, Munchus has another case pending in Jefferson County Court. This lawsuit focuses on the board’s failure to disclose detailed information about the attorney fees paid by the utility. Munchus asserts that invoices for legal work carried out with public funds should be accessible to the public.

Currently, board meeting agendas supply the names of the law firm assisting the board and the total payments, yet members of the public and fellow board members lack access to the specifics regarding the legal services provided. Munchus argues that this practice limits accountability and transparency in board functions.

A Community Focus

The ongoing legal challenges surrounding the Birmingham Water Works Board bring up important questions about accountability, transparency, and the responsibilities of public utility boards. As discussions continue among board members and the community, residents are likely to keep a close eye on how the board addresses these issues moving forward.