Secret plans allegedly underway to move Birmingham water utility out of city: ‘A slap in the face’

The regional entity formerly known as the Birmingham Water Works Board has undergone significant structural and aesthetic shifts over the past year. From appointing a new board and executive team to rebranding under the name Central Alabama Water, the utility has systematically distanced itself from the major city it serves. Now, allegations have surfaced suggesting an even more drastic move is in the works: the relocation of corporate headquarters from Birmingham to the suburbs of Shelby County.

A Disconnect with the Community

Jefferson County Commissioner and board member Sheila Tyson has decried the potential move as a direct affront to the residents who sustain the utility. “It’s a slap in the face. It tells us that you don’t care about us,” Tyson stated. She highlighted that while the utility covers five counties, the vast majority of its customer base remains deeply rooted in the area, with 92 percent of users in Jefferson County and 44 percent residing within Birmingham city limits.

Tyson and fellow board member Jarvis Patton have frequently voiced concerns about being excluded from key decision-making processes. When Tyson confronted CEO Jeffrey Thompson regarding the rumors of the relocation, she claims he refused to engage, simply turning and walking away. “They need to be exposed to the world,” Tyson said. Requests for comment from 205focus.com regarding the alleged relocation plans remained unacknowledged by Central Alabama Water.

Pattern of Unilateral Decisions

The secrecy surrounding a potential office move follows a troubling trend of unilateral management. In November 2025, the board pushed through the hiring of CEO Jeffrey Thompson without public discussion, interviews, or committee meetings. Since then, the governing board has effectively stripped power from members who dissent, retroactively granting Thompson sweeping policy-making authority that was previously reserved for the board itself.

These shifts in authority have led to significant turmoil, including mass layoffs and the implementation of controversial internal policies. Patton, who has publicly opposed these moves, previously noted, “You have just disregarded the board. We have no respect.” Leadership at the utility has defended these aggressive measures as necessary to improve efficiency and avoid rate hikes in the current fiscal year.

Mounting Legal and Public Challenges

For many residents, the move is viewed as the latest in a series of intentional slights against Birmingham. Tyson points to the closure of the in-person customer service center as a primary example, which now forces residents to utilize retail locations and pay added service fees to manage their accounts. The utility is currently facing mounting pressure, including lawsuits from former employees and residents calling for an independent receiver to step in.

Furthermore, the organization faces serious scrutiny regarding its internal culture. An award-winning former employee has filed a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, citing systemic racial, gender, and sexual mistreatment that she alleges led to her wrongful termination.