BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - For the first time since 2021, customers with the Central Alabama Water Board might not see a rate increase next year.

During a board meeting Monday, members discussed early plans for the 2026 budget and outlined steps to prevent another rate hike.

The proposed budget includes several cost-cutting measures, such as replacing meters to improve accuracy and reducing chemical expenses by about $1.5 million. Labor costs are also projected to decrease by roughly $2 million.

The rebranding effort from the Birmingham Water Works Board to the Central Alabama Water Works is not included in the budget. However, the board does plan to spend $165,000 on a recruiter to help find a new CEO.

Mac Underwood, general manager of the Central Alabama Water Board, said staffing

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