Members of the new Central Alabama Water made it clear that they want to support those struggling with paying their water bills, while also recognizing that their bylaws likely do not allow direct giving by the utility.
They agreed to ask the congressional delegation, including both U.S. Senators and U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) and Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), to support House Resolution 4733 to authorize the permanent funding of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.
Board vice chair Phillip Wiedmeyer read a letter sent by a coalition of nine stakeholders from the water sector and local government associations, including the American Water Works Association, which states in part, “Over one-third of Americans struggle to pay their water bills, and rising costs—fueled by aging infrastructure, expanding regulatory mandates, and growing repair needs—are only making this problem worse. By creating a permanent, federally funded water assistance program, your bill offers a lifeline to vulnerable households and ensures families aren’t forced to choose between water and other basic needs.”
The letter thanks the bill’s sponsors and says, “Making this program permanent will help prevent health inequities, support struggling families, and provide stability for local water and wastewater systems as they plan future infrastructure investments.”
The move to support the legislation comes as the board seeks an opinion from Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office on the legality of the use of the utilities’ funding to support the Help To Others (H2O) Foundation. The board's bylaws state, "As required by Ala. Code §11-50-300.06, the Board of Directors may not make payments to any municipality, county, or other entity except for reasonable consideration in payment for goods or services required in the operation or management of the systems operated by the Board."
In a work session last week, the board discussed other ways to help support the organization beyond a monetary contribution.
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Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson asked for an amendment to the description of the request to make sure that the language reflected that the program “assists with payments,” which was accepted without opposition.
The agenda item originally read: "Request Board to approve a request to the Attorney General of the State of Alabama for an opinion regarding the legality of Central Alabama Water contributing funds to the Help To Others (H2O) Foundation to assist elderly (55 and over) low-to-moderate income customers to repair leaks and pay water and sewer bills."
The utility provides approximately $150,000 annually. The latest public IRS Form 990, which details a nonprofit's assets and liabilities, shows that H20 had over a million in assets for the year ending 2023.
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