Mayor Threatens To Pull Funding From Transit Authority

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Amid concerns over a history of unrest among the board and recent allegations of financial mismanagement by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin said Tuesday he would pull the city's funding for the department unless changes are made.

"Recent changes and actions surrounding the BJCTA leadership and its board have raised serious concerns," Woodfin said in a statement. "There have been four board chairs in the last five months. There have been five executive directors in the last eight years. This has created an instability in leadership."

The BJCTA suspended its executive director Barbara Murdock in April over suspicion that she misused a BJCTA credit card, when Murdock allegedly paid her personal power bill with BJCTA funds.

"My administration’s strategy to govern is based on three words, putting people first," Woodfin said. "Yet, the current situation at the BJCTA shakes public confidence and demands accountability and transparency."

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Woodfin said he will take a closer look at the BJCTA operations before providing any additional funding to the budget for the BJCTA in the upcoming fiscal year.

"We are committed to an effective and efficient transit service with a priority on customer service for the people of Birmingham," he said. "Again, the current situation surrounding the leadership of the BJCTA has raised concerns that must be reviewed."

Woodfin added, "The city is committed to its strategic partnership with the BJCTA, but must insist on a clear oversight process forward to ensure accountability and transparency."

Woodfin said several actions must be taken before his administration will continue funding the BJCTA

• Show the administration, the public and BJCTA employees a leadership stability plan that is attached to a timeline.
• Mandate a minimum of 12 hours of board training.
• Establish rules and procedures for the length of board officers’ terms.

"I am not trying to run this board and have no appointing power to the BJCTA board, but with the city providing more than $10 million annually to the BJCTA, I must protect the city’s interest," Woodfin said.

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch

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