Parnell Seeks Court Action Against Water Board

0:00In Birmingham today, March 18th, Mark Parnell, the former top lawyer for Birmingham's regional water utility, has filed a new court motion accusing the Central Alabama Water Board of defaming him again. He wants a judge to stop board members from blaming past leaders for the utility's problems. This comes nearly a year after Parnell settled a lawsuit with them for $2.4 million. Earlier this week, Parnell's attorney argued that the board is unfairly dragging his name into their public complaints, even without saying it. Directly, Parnell had a five-year contract worth $660,000 a year in base pay, approved just before the state takeover. The new board fired him on June 2nd, 2025, sparking the original dispute. Parnell's team says everyone in Birmingham links him to the old management, so these digs hurt his reputation despite the settlement's promise to. Praise his work. The utility spokesman declines a comment, sticking to their no-talk policy on legal matters.

1:00Parnell's lawyer caused the blame incorrect, and notes the state takeover caused big changes. A key example is a March 11 statement from CEO Jeffrey Thompson, who pointed to over 20 years of financial and operations issues under prior. Leaders. Recently, S&P global downgraded the utility's credit rating to AA- and put it on negative watch, citing aging assets and management. Shifts. Parnell's attorney sent a demand letter last week, but got no response, and they worry more blame could come at Friday's board meeting. He insists current leaders are less transparent and should own their challenges instead of pointing fingers. The motion seeks quick court action to enforce the old agreement. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com. Made in AI.