Alabama legislators have passed a bill to shift control over the Birmingham Water Works Board from the city to the governor and surrounding suburbs, sparking controversy over potential political motivations. Proponents argue that the change will prevent issues like those in Jackson, Mississippi, or Detroit, Michigan, by addressing infrastructure problems and improving fiscal efficiency. Opponents, including Birmingham city officials, view the bill as a political maneuver that undermines the influence of Birmingham's primarily Black residents. The bill reduces the board from nine to seven members, redistributing appointment power across state and local officials from surrounding areas. The measure, passed along party lines, heads to Governor Kay Ivey's desk amid heated debate about racial and regional representation and the board's past transparency and financial management issues.

The legislation aims to reduce Birmingham's control over its water board, shifting power to the governor and neighboring counties, amidst claims of frequent rate hikes and infrastructure inefficiencies.

Proponents argue that the bill will prevent catastrophic infrastructure failures and improve the financial management of the water utility, which carries significant debt and has faced transparency issues.

Opponents, including Democratic legislators and Birmingham officials, view the bill as a racially motivated power grab that diminishes the influence of Birmingham's majority Black population.

The current nine-member board, largely appointed by Birmingham officials, would be reduced to seven members, with appointments distributed among state and county officials, affecting regional representation.

The bill passed with strong partisan support, drawing criticism for excluding Birmingham's Democratic representatives from the legislative process and failing to consider the concerns of local ratepayers.

Critics question the new board's ability to address existing issues and highlight past ethics scandals and billing errors as examples of the board's need for reform rather than a power shift.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and other city leaders emphasize the importance of including local voices in decisions affecting the city's water supply, expressing concern over the potential impact on Birmingham residents.