Compiled by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Madison Utilities is ending fluoride treatment for nearly 19,000 customers on June 16 due to costly corrosion damage at one of its plants—repairs are estimated at just under $500,000. Despite the expense, financial records show the utility is in strong fiscal health, with $32 million in revenue last year and $25.4 million in unrestricted assets.
Water Manager David Moore told the Madison City Council that the damage from fluoride corrosion was “very heavy” and that fixing it wasn’t financially practical. However, the utility’s latest audit shows a $12.5 million surplus and $15.9 million in cash reserves.
The March board decision to halt fluoride use came during a meeting with no public attendees and was listed vaguely as a “Chemical Feed Discussion.” The council, which has one non-voting liaison on the utility board, was not informed until afterward.
Unlike many public utilities in Alabama’s largest cities, Madison Utilities does not publish its financial reports or budgets online. The lack of transparency stands out compared to other systems in Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile, which routinely post such documents.
Madison has fluoridated its water since 1991. The CDC and American Cancer Society support water fluoridation as an effective public health measure. Councilor Connie Spears, who represents the city on the utility board, was out of town during this week’s council meeting. Councilor Ranae Bartlett said Spears has been asked to urge the board to reconsider.
The next Madison Utilities board meeting is set for May 5 at 5:30 p.m., 101 Ray Sanderson Drive.