State lawmakers have offered new details regarding controversial amendments to the Birmingham Mayor-Council Act.
Council members claim it is a power grab by Birmingham Mayor William Bell and his allies in the legislature.
Just a few weeks ago, a full house gathered for the city council hearing on the amendments, with most of the criticism aimed at the mayor and state lawmakers.
A day after that event, the mayor called the information presented at the hearing misleading and lawmakers called it incomplete.
Monday night at a forum, bill sponsor Oliver Robinson is sharing details on five amendments designed to streamline the Mayor-Council Act and clarify any questions about the role of the mayor and the role of the council.
Councilor Steven Hoyt says lawmakers have shown little interest in discussing the bill with both the mayor and council present.
The bill is expected to be filed at the statehouse as early as Tuesday morning.
There were several outbursts during the meeting on Monday night by people who are against the proposed changes. Some citizens say they don’t think some lawmakers are being truthful about why they’re proposing changes to the Mayor-Council Act.
“This is the biggest power grab and we as citizens of Birmingham object the plan,” said one Birmingham resident against the changes.
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