Birmingham mayor files lawsuit over Birmingham Water Works Board legislation
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin held a news conference along with the city council Tuesday morning, announcing a federal lawsuit against Gov. Kay Ivey and Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall.
The suit is a direct response to the passing of Alabama Senate Bill 330 which restructures the Birmingham Water Works Board.
They believe the changes made will negatively impact some customers.
鈥淭wo wrongs don't make a right. And everything in SB330 on its face is unconstitutional,鈥� Woodfin said.
The lawsuit argues that since more than 40 percent of Water Works customers live in Birmingham limiting the city's authority to a fourth of the board is discriminatory.
鈥淲orks to highjack control of the Birmingham Water Works Board from the majority black city of Birmingham with flagrant disregard for the voting rights of the city plaintiffs," the lawsuit read.
They are asking the governor not to sign the bill so it can be sent back to the legislature with "appropriate changes."
>> 米兰体育 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free
The city is also moving to purchase the board in an attempt to stop the restructuring.
Video below: Birmingham pitches plan to buy Water Works Board for $1
The board held its own meeting in response to the bill on Tuesday, taking preemptive measures to protect several positions.
After almost an hour and a half in an executive session, new contracts and extended contracts were approved for six high-level managers.
The Board responded to Woodfin's lawsuit with the following statement:
"This morning, the Mayor and the Birmingham City Council filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order against the Governor and Attorney General of Alabama related to SB 330.
While our executive team and board of directors are currently reviewing the suit, the BWWB agrees with the legitimate concerns raised during this morning鈥檚 press conference. We support Mayor Woodfin and the Council鈥檚 position in this matter.
Details related to a possible transfer of assets between the Birmingham Water Works Board and the City of Birmingham are being evaluated."
District Judge Emily Marks has set a May 15 hearing to consider Birmingham鈥檚 request for a temporary restraining order to try and keep the bill from being signed into law.