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Alabaster Today
By the People, for the People
Alabaster City Council Absorbs Water Board, Removes Sewer Rate Cap
The move aims to streamline operations and enhance coordination during development in the Shelby County city.
Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:55pm
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The City of Alabaster, Alabama will absorb the Alabaster Water Board, which has operated independently since the 1950s. The city council also removed the cap on sewer fees, though the mayor says most residents won't see an impact. The changes are intended to improve coordination and efficiency for development in the city.
Why it matters
The absorption of the water board into city control is a significant change for Alabaster, as the utility has operated independently for decades. The move is expected to streamline operations and enhance the city's ability to coordinate development efforts with water and sewer infrastructure.
The details
At Monday's city council meeting, officials passed an ordinance to absorb the Alabaster Water Board, which had been independent since the 1950s. The council also removed the cap on sewer fees, though the mayor said most residents won't see an impact. The changes are intended to improve coordination between the city and the water utility during development projects, allowing them to speak with "one unison standpoint" to developers.
- The absorption of the water board will take effect on March 1, 2026.
- The city council passed the ordinances at their meeting on Monday, February 10, 2026.
The players
City of Alabaster
The local government of Alabaster, Alabama, which will now control the previously independent Alabaster Water Board.
Alabaster Water Board
The independent water utility that has served Alabaster since the 1950s, and is now being absorbed into city control.
Scott Brakefield
The mayor of Alabaster, who explained the rationale and expected impacts of the changes.
What they’re saying
“Prior to the Water Board being absorbed by the city, the Water Board had undergone an audit.”
— Scott Brakefield, Mayor
“Now, having the water board, that utility under city control, we're able to speak from one unison standpoint, say okay you're just working with us, and when you're working with us this is our sewer this is our water, this is everything you need to be able to bring your commercial development here.”
— Scott Brakefield, Mayor
What’s next
The absorption of the Alabaster Water Board into city control will take effect on March 1, 2026.
The takeaway
This change represents a significant shift in how water and sewer services are managed in Alabaster, with the goal of improving coordination and efficiency for future development in the city.