BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Central Water Board approved a 2026 budget Wednesday, Dec. 10, that includes no rate increase for customers next year.
The new budget plan calls for $75 million in capital expenses and approximately $139 million in operating expenses for next year, based on a plan the board’s been considering before the hiring of new CEO Jeffrey Thompson.
Thompson told the board he expects to return in the first quarter of 2026 with amendments to this budget, but said the board can expect the new leadership team to “leave no stone unturned” in examining expenses as they review the utility’s spending plan…