Alabama House Unanimously Passes Lake View Sewer Bill, Setting Up Senate Showdown

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment that, if signed into law and approved by a countywide referendum vote, would put private sewer system owners in Lake View under the regulatory oversight of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts

HB148 — sponsored by Tuscaloosa Republican Rep. Rich Wingo — passed the House chamber by a vote of 95 in favor and two abstentions on Thursday. The lack of opposition on the House side for the bill is important because if the amendment is signed into law, it will followed by a countywide referendum vote on the measure itself.

As Patch previously reported, had there been any opposition in the House, the amendment would have been placed on a statewide ballot.

The measure also has noticeable support among Lake View residents, who have been locked in a contentious battle for years with J. Mike White — the owner of the private Tannehill Sewer System — over drastic rate increases and the lack of transparency within the system.

It's worth noting that White is also appealing a 2021 decision by a federal judge who ordered the business owner to pay $4.7 million in damages to three Lake View families who saw their runaway sewer bills climb to a cumulative total of $500,000.

Patch has reached out to White for comment, but had not received a response as of the publication of this story.

ALSO READ: Lake View United Against Private Sewer Owner's Business Practices

The challenge for the measure now will be its uphill climb in the Senate, where State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, is expected to rally support in opposition of the amendment.

Allen has staunchly opposed the bill in its past incarnations and seems poised to do so again this legislative session, especially after his measure to expand the city limits of Lake View died in committee.

Residents have been vocal in their desire for increased regulatory oversight of the private sewer system, with many pointing out to Patch that their flat rates for sewer service had increased from around $36 dollars a decade ago, to over $125 at present.

The Lake View City Council is set for its regular meeting Thursday night, which could possibly see the full council vote on a formal resolution supporting the legislation — a move many have said would display the city residents' support of the amendment to policymakers in Montgomery.

The Lake View City Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Lake View Municipal Complex.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.