Concerns Arise Over Dual Employment of Birmingham Water Works Executives
Recently, scrutiny has increased on two highly compensated officials at the Birmingham Water Works, as both juggle secondary roles within the same rural Alabama county—90 miles away. The situation raises questions not only about the ethics of their dual employment but also about the implications for governance and public service.
High Salaries and Dual Roles
Mac Underwood, the general manager of Birmingham Water Works, has returned to this position with an impressive annual salary of $446,118. Yet, since his return in February, he has continued to serve as the chief financial officer for Greene County. Underwood describes his multitasking capacity, stating, “When I started this position, Greene County approved remote computer access to perform job functions," highlighting how he manages to balance the demands of both positions.
In practice, Underwood combines his responsibilities efficiently, conducting most of his water works duties during the day while managing Greene County’s financial responsibilities in the evenings and over weekends. “I complete 30-35 hours of work each week for Greene County,” he reported, indicating a highly structured schedule that allows him to fulfill both roles.
Salary Overview and Resignation
Underwood’s financial history reveals a salary progression; in fiscal year 2020-2021, he earned $84,000 annually, but this figure has since climbed with regular raises to approximately $110,240. However, his tenure in Greene County is set to conclude shortly, as he submitted his resignation effective May 31, just months after resuming his role at the water works.
His earlier commitment to Greene County prompted discussions about whether his dual responsibilities could impact the operations of each position. Underwood insists that he was transparent with the former water works board regarding his ongoing role in Greene County, stating, “The previous board understood I had an ongoing position to close out.”
Parnell’s New Role and Controversial Contract
The intricate dynamics of these dual roles extend to Mark Parnell, the newly appointed Deputy General Manager and General Counsel for Birmingham Water Works. Parnell, who previously represented the water works, now shares his expertise with Greene County, providing legal representation to a community of more than 7,000 people.
Parnell’s contract, which promises him $660,000 annually over five years, also includes a vehicle allowance and participation in the utility’s pension plan. This lucrative arrangement has attracted attention and prompted questions from new members of the water works board regarding the ethical implications of such agreements.
Interestingly, Parnell’s contract allows him to engage in external employment activities, provided he receives approval from Underwood. While Parnell claims he intends to reduce his caseload during this transition, he has not disclosed if he will formally resign from his Greene County position.
Ethical Implications and Governance Concerns
The intertwined employment of Underwood and Parnell brings to light governance and ethical concerns about dual roles in public service. While neither individual holds an elected position—potentially mitigating legal ethical violations, according to Jim Sumner, a retired director of the Alabama Ethics Commission—the intersection of their professional lives raises eyebrows.
Sumner articulated a lack of apparent legal violation but emphasized that such arrangements often “get right up to” the boundaries of ethical conduct. The dual employment could foster perceptions of impropriety and may provoke public concern regarding the effectiveness of governance when officials hold multiple positions across different jurisdictions.
Underwood and Parnell maintain that their separate roles in Greene County and Birmingham Water Works do not pose conflicts of interest, citing the geographic and operational divide between the two entities. Their long professional history adds another layer of complexity to the dynamic.
Professional Relationships Under Scrutiny
The relationship between Underwood and Parnell dates back to Underwood’s earlier tenure as the general manager, during which Parnell provided legal representation. Their shared history may further complicate perceptions about favoritism or collusion, particularly as both navigate their professional paths concurrently in such closely linked roles.
As the background of their employment illustrates, the situation encapsulates a microcosm of broader issues faced by public institutions. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between operational necessity and ethical expectations in public service, especially when dual employment structures are involved. While the legal thresholds may be met, the public’s perception of integrity remains paramount in ensuring trust in public institutions.
Wrap Up
In summary, the dual employment of Mac Underwood and Mark Parnell at both Birmingham Water Works and Greene County highlights complex issues related to governance, ethics, and public trust. Their ability to navigate these roles without apparent legal violations raises questions that may need addressing moving forward to ensure the public interest is served.
