Prichard residents pressed city leaders for relief from high water rates during a February 2009 City Council meeting, raising the possibility of abolishing the Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board.
Mayor Ron Davis said he was open to considering the idea but explained that the board set its own rates and operated under state authority after City Council appointments were made.
Costs and transparency concerns
Residents reported water bills of $100 or more per month and said the costs were difficult for people on fixed incomes and single-parent families. The mayor said city leaders would seek assistance from state officials and explore grants that might ease future increases.
The meeting also addressed a reported $275 charge for copies of Water Board meeting minutes. The board’s attorney said the public-record policy was under review and that action was expected at a future meeting.
Historic civic debate
This article records the issues and positions raised in February 2009. It does not state whether the board was later reorganized, whether rates changed or the outcome of the records-policy review.