In this week’s board meeting Birmingham Water Works (BWWB) voted to approve a contract with PR firm CBG Strategies at the cost of $15,000 a month with one vote against the approval from Director George Munchus.

In addition to their contract with PR firm o2 ideas, this brings the utility’s total monthly PR cost to $25,000. This does not include the salary or benefits for their in-house PR department.

During the meeting BWWB’s newest member, Mashonda Taylor, asked in house spokesperson Rick Jackson to explain why the two outside firms were necessary.

Jackson replied that the two firms would be working together to improve BWWB’s communications with customers and its employees.

“We are intentional about exploring every avenue we can to reach our customers,” Jackson said in a press release following the meeting. “I’m optimistic that CBG Strategies and o2 Ideas will make a dynamic duo with strengthening our communication efforts. o2 Ideas offers a comprehensive scope of services which includes a wealth of experience with employee communications; CBG Strategies has a proven track record of providing a bridge between corporate and community.”