According to a recent report, two high-ranking officials at the Birmingham Water Works have also held additional positions within Greene County in West Alabama.
Mac Underwood returned in February 2025 as general manager of the Birmingham Water Works with an annual salary of $446,118. At the same time, he continued to serve as the chief financial officer for Greene County, a position he had held prior to his reappointment in Birmingham.
Related: Local, state officials make initial appointments to regionally reformed Birmingham Water Works board
Underwood told AL.com that Greene County authorized him to work remotely, allowing him to perform job duties during evenings and weekends. He said he routinely visited county offices and attended monthly commission meetings. His previous contract in Greene County for fiscal year 2020-2021 paid $7,000 per month, and he has since received raises. As of this spring, he said he earned approximately $53 per hour, equivalent to $110,240 annually.
Underwood submitted his resignation to the Greene County Commission in March. His final day is May 31, according to The Greene County Democrat.
Additionally, Mark Parnell, who has represented the Birmingham Water Works through his firm, Parnell and Thompson, was appointed deputy general manager and general counsel under a contract approved by the previous board. His five-year contract includes a base salary of $660,000 per year, a $1,000 monthly vehicle allowance, and immediate participation in the utility’s pension plan.
Related: Alabama lawmakers op-ed: Why we must reform the Birmingham Water Works Board
Parnell’s firm also represents Greene County. His contract with the waterworks permits outside employment, provided approval is obtained from the general manager. Parnell has stated he is reducing his caseload, including his responsibilities in Greene County, during the transition. He has not confirmed a resignation date from that role.
The Birmingham Water Works is now under the direction of a newly seated regional board, which has begun reviewing recent contract decisions made by the former board.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sablevins@farmerstel.com.
