Latest news with #Henifin
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JXN Water aims for self-sufficiency
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – JXN Water held their first State of the Water System address on Wednesday to provide updates on improvements. While there have been significant improvements, interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin believes that relying on federal funding can only take you so far. Jackson City Council rejects JXN Water's rate hike proposal 'We have to be self-sufficient. You know, we've spent $250 million of federal grant dollars to get to where we are today. Believe it or not, the federal government is going to be continuing to write checks to keep Jackson's water going. And we're one of dozens of cities that would like to see that kind of investment. And so, I don't believe we can rely on federal funds, and really can't rely on the state funds, to make that happen here. Water is a local issue,' he said. While billing and payments are a major part of improving JXN Water, Henifin said the past failures of the system led to the disruption of collections. He said JXN Water is working to overhaul the city's water system by 2029. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
At forum, mayor candidates agree: Jackson water system should return to city after repairs
Former Hinds County District 2 Supervisor David Archie didn't mince words when he was asked about the Jackson Water Crisis and what steps he would take to ensure clean, reliable water for residents. "Jackson owns Jackson water and no one is coming into Jackson, Mississippi under my leadership and taking anything," Archie said. "We're going to fight, day and night, to send a clear-cut message either to the Republicans of this state or to the federal government of this country, that you don't come to Jackson, Mississippi and take anything." Archie's remarks were among 11 responses from mayoral candidates at a forum held Thursday morning at Forest Hill High School. The candidates — eight Democrats and three independents — answered questions in front of students and teachers from multiple high schools within the Jackson Public School District. While the candidates differed on how to run Jackson, the majority agreed on one point: Jackson's water system should be returned to the city once repairs are complete. Since late 2022, the city's water system has been under federal oversight following the Jackson water crisis, which left about 150,000 residents without drinkable or usable water for weeks. A court order appointed Ted Henifin, seasoned water utility professional, as the third-party water manager to oversee infrastructure repairs until 2027. He created the company JXN Water to help manage the system. Henifin's appointment followed a dispute between city and state leaders, including one between Democratic Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Republican Governor Tate Reeves, over who should control the water system. The future of the water system remains a point of contention. Jackson leaders want the system returned to the city, but state lawmakers have attempted to pass bills that would give state officials control. Those bills, introduced in 2023 and 2024, failed to pass. Henifin threw his support behind the 2024 bill. Following the forum, the Clarion Ledger asked JXN Water if Henifin still supports a state takeover of the water system. In response, JXN Water Spokesperson Aisha Carson sent this statement: 'The governance of Jackson's water system is ultimately a decision that rests with the federal judge and policymakers. Our sole responsibility is to provide safe, reliable water service and to rehabilitate the system, which has seen historic underinvestment for decades. We diligently remain focused on that mission. Any discussions about long-term governance are best directed to the appropriate state and local officials," the statement reads. More forums: Jackson Zoo's future: move, revamp, or close? Jackson mayoral candidates weigh in "He who controls the water controls the economy," Socrates Garrett, a Democratic mayoral candidate, said during the forum. Garrett's statement underscores a central theme of the debate over Jackson's water system: who controls this vital resource holds significant power over the city's future. "It's critically important that Jackson gets control over its water and when Ted Henifin leaves here that the Jackson water plant is run and operated by Jacksonians," Garrett said. James Hopkins, a Democratic candidate and founder of nonprofit Reset Jackson, agreed, but stressed the need for a qualified replacement for Henifin. He didn't specify a name but mentioned a local resident with more than 25 years of experience running water systems similar to Jackson's. Independent Rodney DePriest and Democrat Marcus Wallace said while the water system should return to the city, it will be important in the future for city leaders to cooperate with state and federal officials for the system's long-term success. Bribery scandal: Lumumba, Owens, Banks are headed to trial for alleged role in bribery scandal. See when "I hear the voice of 'what is Jackson's, we have to protect' and I agree 100%," DePriest said. "But I also know that if we are going to have the resources that we need, it's going to be built on relationships." Lumumba presented his plan for returning control of the water system to the city, which he previously unveiled last October. His proposal calls for a two-board solution: a five-member operations board to oversee the system, alongside a 15-member community advisory board to ensure diverse representation. Independent candidate Zach Servis proposed a "public-private" partnership for managing the system. He pointed to Elisabeth, New Jersey, as an example where the city retains ownership while a private entity handles operations under strict contractual terms. "We retain ownership of the water system, but we actually let a private entity do the work, so they're held to the same standard, but we don't have to spend all of our money doing it and if they don't read the contract terms then we can terminate it (the contract)," Servis said. Two candidates, Albert Wilson and Delano Funches, said they don't believe Jackson's water is safe yet — a point Henifin and JXN Water have been working to combat for years now. In December 2022, Henifin declared Jackson's water "the most tested water in America." In response to Wilson and Funches claims, JXN Water sent this statement to the Clarion Ledger on Thursday afternoon: 'JXN Water exists outside of politics and remains solely focused on repairing and improving the water system for the people of Jackson. Water quality is not a matter of opinion — it is based on science and regulatory compliance. Our water is tested for numerous quality standards at nearly 150 points throughout the city's water distribution system bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly and reports submitted to the Mississippi State Department of Health and the EPA confirm that the water leaving our treatment plants meets all federal and state safety standards. Our latest water quality report and monthly dashboard are publicly available online. If customers experience quality issues, we encourage them to report concerns so our field teams can respond accordingly. Misinformation about water quality does a disservice to residents who rely on accurate information to make informed decisions. Any candidate or individual seeking to understand the system's progress is encouraged to review the publicly available reports rather than making statements without full knowledge of the facts.' This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS mayoral candidates discuss future of city's water system
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lumumba rejects water rate increase proposal, questions JXN Water's spending, collection efforts
Shaking his head when asked, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba flatly said he was against increasing water rates for Jackson residents ― a move that Ted Henifin, the third-party water manager overseeing JXN Water, recently said is necessary as federal funds for the city's water system are expected to run out by summer. Lumumba, speaking during a Monday press conference at Jackson City Hall, lobbed additional critiques at JXN Water and Henifin. The mayor again questioned the accuracy of JXN Water's bill collection rates and criticized Henifin for his handling of the water utility's advertising costs and what Lumumba sees as a lack of a competitive bidding process. JXN Water did not immediately return calls seeking comment for this story In late February, Henifin, who was appointed to oversee the water system's repairs at the end of 2022, released JXN Water's "Financial Management Plan." The report noted that monthly expenses are exceeding revenues, creating an operating deficit. The revenue shortfall is currently being covered by the $600 million in federal funds Jackson received from the U.S. Congress in December 2022. However, those funds are quickly running out. Given the critical cash-flow challenges, the report states that additional revenue increases are necessary to maintain the system's sustainability. One way to increase revenue is by raising water rates, which would raise the average monthly residential bill by about $9, or roughly 12%. JXN Water plans to seek a rate increase this spring, according to the report. "I am not in favor of that (increasing water rates), not only because we just recently raised the access costs for residents less than a year ago and I think that there are few things that we have to be aware and cognizant of. One, what are our rates of collection? Because we've had some of the poorer rates of collection through the course of time that they've (JXN Water) been there," Lumumba said, but he didn't provide a number for JXN Water's exact collection rate. The mayor's questioning of JXN Water's bill collection rates has been an ongoing saga between Lumumba and Henifin for nearly a year now. Lumumba has repeatedly said JXN Water's collection rate is lower than when the city managed the water system. In April 2024, the two clashed over the collection rate for garbage bills, which appear on residents' water bills. Each time, Henifin has denied Lumumba's claims. Jackson water system repairs: How much water is Jackson's system losing nearly 2 years after takeover? Henifin gives update According to the most recent quarterly report, released at the end of January, JXN Water's collection rates are "nearly 70 percent." It also notes that more than 14,000 accounts are receiving services but not paying their bills. Those accounts will be targeted for increased collection efforts in 2025. "Revenues continue to increase through the significant efforts of the JXN Water billing staff," the report states. "Severance (the process to disconnect customers for non-payment) started in March 2024. The percentage of billed revenue collected moved from approximately 56 percent in January 2024 to nearly 70 percent at the end of the year." Lumumba's comments are part of an ongoing, tense relationship with Henifin, with whom Lumumba has said he has little rapport. The two have clashed multiple times since JXN Water took over in 2023 over issues such as bill collections, water safety and the leadership of Jackson's water system once Henifin's receivership ends. Water rates increased in Jackson within the last year after Henifin unveiled JXN Water's new billing system in November 2023. At the time, Henifin said a majority of water customers would see an increase of about $9 per month in their water bills, while also introducing the "water availability charge." The Jackson City Council abstained from voting on the water-rate increase in December 2023. However, the council's vote was largely symbolic. According to the 2022 court order that put Henifin in charge of the water system, he must consult with Lumumba before raising rates. Lumumba must then present a resolution to the council for consideration. Ultimately, Henifin and JXN Water need only the approval of U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate to implement rate increases. During Monday's press conference, Lumumba also criticized JXN Water's procurement process, which he said has driven up operating costs. "We have to make sure we are holding them accountable and one of those things that is very evident is that there is no competitive procurement process," Lumumba said. "What Mr. Henifin would say to you is that we were in an emergency two, almost three years ago at this point, and he needed to avoid the procurement requirements in order to respond and act quickly. But we're not perpetually in an emergency … And the reason you have procurement practices is to get the lowest and best bid." Lumumba also went after JXN Water spending nearly $1 million on advertising. With a firm face, the mayor repeated, "I know they spend a lot of money for advertising" three consecutive times while looking around the room during the press conference. A total of $878,997.82 has been spent on "communications" as of March 17, according to JXN Water's website. The price tags and companies who have received payment include: HDR Engineering, Inc.: $552,284.83 TV Station WLBT: $144,510.66 Gray Media Group, Inc.: $46,027.70 1 Vision: $111,170.60. Art Mekanics: $15,000 Studio54Multimedia: $9,000 Alliance Business Service Inc.: $1,004.03 Asked what he would do if he were in Henifin's shoes — running out of money — and the water system was still in the city's hands, Lumumba said it was an unfair comparison. Artificial intelligence: After repeal of a 2020 ban, JPD will start using a controversial AI technology to fight crime "We didn't have the benefit of $600 million that we went to Congress and got," Lumumba said. "So, the city was operating without money for many, many, many, many years … it's not a fair comparison. I think anyone would readily admit if we had the benefit of $600 million, then things should improve. The question really becomes, have you had a $600 million improvement to take place." Lumumba said that raising rates isn't inherently a bad idea, but proper collection and competitive procurement should be prioritized first. "I'm not saying that the notion of raising (water) rates isn't a reasonable one," Lumumba said. "What I am saying is that you first need to make sure you are collecting appropriately. Secondly, you need to make sure that you're doing competitive procurement … So it's a balance, it's a balance of not only making the tough decisions of when rates need to be increased and doing that in a systematic and structured way. But it's also making sure that we are being good stewards of the money we have." This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS mayor rejects water rate increase, cites poor bill collection
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lumumba rejects water rate increase proposal, questions JXN Water's spending, collection efforts
Shaking his head when asked, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba flatly said he was against increasing water rates for Jackson residents ― a move that Ted Henifin, the third-party water manager overseeing JXN Water, recently said is necessary as federal funds for the city's water system are expected to run out by summer. Lumumba, speaking during a Monday press conference at Jackson City Hall, lobbed additional critiques at JXN Water and Henifin. The mayor again questioned the accuracy of JXN Water's bill collection rates and criticized Henifin for his handling of the water utility's advertising costs and what Lumumba sees as a lack of a competitive bidding process. JXN Water did not immediately return calls seeking comment for this story In late February, Henifin, who was appointed to oversee the water system's repairs at the end of 2022, released JXN Water's "Financial Management Plan." The report noted that monthly expenses are exceeding revenues, creating an operating deficit. The revenue shortfall is currently being covered by the $600 million in federal funds Jackson received from the U.S. Congress in December 2022. However, those funds are quickly running out. Given the critical cash-flow challenges, the report states that additional revenue increases are necessary to maintain the system's sustainability. One way to increase revenue is by raising water rates, which would raise the average monthly residential bill by about $9, or roughly 12%. JXN Water plans to seek a rate increase this spring, according to the report. "I am not in favor of that (increasing water rates), not only because we just recently raised the access costs for residents less than a year ago and I think that there are few things that we have to be aware and cognizant of. One, what are our rates of collection? Because we've had some of the poorer rates of collection through the course of time that they've (JXN Water) been there," Lumumba said, but he didn't provide a number for JXN Water's exact collection rate. The mayor's questioning of JXN Water's bill collection rates has been an ongoing saga between Lumumba and Henifin for nearly a year now. Lumumba has repeatedly said JXN Water's collection rate is lower than when the city managed the water system. In April 2024, the two clashed over the collection rate for garbage bills, which appear on residents' water bills. Each time, Henifin has denied Lumumba's claims. Jackson water system repairs: How much water is Jackson's system losing nearly 2 years after takeover? Henifin gives update According to the most recent quarterly report, released at the end of January, JXN Water's collection rates are "nearly 70 percent." It also notes that more than 14,000 accounts are receiving services but not paying their bills. Those accounts will be targeted for increased collection efforts in 2025. "Revenues continue to increase through the significant efforts of the JXN Water billing staff," the report states. "Severance (the process to disconnect customers for non-payment) started in March 2024. The percentage of billed revenue collected moved from approximately 56 percent in January 2024 to nearly 70 percent at the end of the year." Lumumba's comments are part of an ongoing, tense relationship with Henifin, with whom Lumumba has said he has little rapport. The two have clashed multiple times since JXN Water took over in 2023 over issues such as bill collections, water safety and the leadership of Jackson's water system once Henifin's receivership ends. Water rates increased in Jackson within the last year after Henifin unveiled JXN Water's new billing system in November 2023. At the time, Henifin said a majority of water customers would see an increase of about $9 per month in their water bills, while also introducing the "water availability charge." The Jackson City Council abstained from voting on the water-rate increase in December 2023. However, the council's vote was largely symbolic. According to the 2022 court order that put Henifin in charge of the water system, he must consult with Lumumba before raising rates. Lumumba must then present a resolution to the council for consideration. Ultimately, Henifin and JXN Water need only the approval of U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate to implement rate increases. During Monday's press conference, Lumumba also criticized JXN Water's procurement process, which he said has driven up operating costs. "We have to make sure we are holding them accountable and one of those things that is very evident is that there is no competitive procurement process," Lumumba said. "What Mr. Henifin would say to you is that we were in an emergency two, almost three years ago at this point, and he needed to avoid the procurement requirements in order to respond and act quickly. But we're not perpetually in an emergency … And the reason you have procurement practices is to get the lowest and best bid." Lumumba also went after JXN Water's spending nearly $1 million on advertising. With a firm face, the mayor repeated, "I know they spend a lot of money for advertising" three consecutive times while looking around the room during the press conference. A total of $878,997.82 has been spent on "communications" as of March 17, according to JXN Water's website. The price tags and companies who have received payment include: HDR Engineering, Inc.: $552,284.83 TV Station WLBT: $144,510.66 Gray Media Group, Inc.: $46,027.70 1 Vision: $111,170.60. Art Mekanics: $15,000 Studio54Multimedia: $9,000 Alliance Business Service Inc.: $1,004.03 Asked what he would do if he were in Henifin's shoes — running out of money — and the water system was still in the city's hands, Lumumba said it was an unfair comparison. Artificial intelligence: After repeal of a 2020 ban, JPD will start using a controversial AI technology to fight crime "We didn't have the benefit of $600 million that we went to Congress and got," Lumumba said. "So, the city was operating without money for many, many, many, many years … it's not a fair comparison. I think anyone would readily admit if we had the benefit of $600 million, then things should improve. The question really becomes, have you had a $600 million improvement to take place." Lumumba said that raising rates isn't inherently a bad idea, but proper collection and competitive procurement should be prioritized first. "I'm not saying that the notion of raising (water) rates isn't a reasonable one," Lumumba said. "What I am saying is that you first need to make sure you are collecting appropriately. Secondly, you need to make sure that you're doing competitive procurement … So it's a balance, it's a balance of not only making the tough decisions of when rates need to be increased and doing that in a systematic and structured way. But it's also making sure that we are being good stewards of the money we have." This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS mayor rejects water rate increase, cites poor bill collection
USA Today
30-01-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Trump executive orders hurt Jackson water, sewer? 'You can never be certain,' Henifin says
Interim Third-Party Water Manager Ted Henifin does not believe President Donald Trump's recent executive order halting all pending environmental litigation and ongoing consent decrees will have an impact on the ongoing repairs to Jackson's water and sewer systems "but you can never be certain." For years, Jackson has been in federal court with both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency over the city's beleaguered water and sewer systems, both of which have fallen out of federal compliance. In 2022, Henifin was appointed by U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate to oversee repairs to the water system as part of a stipulated order; in 2023, he was also appointed to repair the sewers, which have had a federal consent decree for over a decade. Henifin, through the company he created, JXN Water, is repairing the water system by utilizing $600 million in federal funds allocated to the city by the U.S. Congress in 2023 under former President Joe Biden's administration. The funds are part of the 2023 Consolidated Appropriation Act. Another Trump executive order — the "Unleashing American Energy" order — froze federal funds allocated through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A federal judge blocked the order on Tuesday. The White House then rescinded the order on Wednesday. Henifin said he doesn't believe the $600 million will be impacted, but he admitted that he doesn't know what the future has in store. "As things stand, we believe our funding is not at risk from the Unleashing American Energy Executive Orderbut who knows what is next," Henifin said. Water stipulated order:The public is invited to comment on order putting Henifin in charge of sewers. Details here On Tuesday, City Attorney Drew Martin announced Trump's executive orders during a meeting of the Jackson City Council, but Martin provided little details on what exactly the orders would impact. "As of this morning, the (Trump) administration has ordered a halt to all environmental litigation and transferred many of the lawyers in the environmental division to the Department of Justice," Martin said on Tuesday. "That includes our efforts on the consent decree. All talks are paused, everything is stayed for some indefinite period of time, so I just wanted everybody to be aware of that. There's not much we can do about it." But Martin did say Trump's orders impact "all the EPA attorneys that we're working with to get the consent decree done." Part of Trump's order reassigns EPA environmental attorneys to a new program called the Sanctuary City Task Force. What happens when you flush the toilet?How Jackson sewage is treated: From the toilet to the Savanna Plant to the Pearl River Henifin said he doesn't see the reassignment of the EPA attorneys as impacting the water system's stipulated order or the sewer system's consent decree "at this time." "Should we need to make a change to either, there could be some delay," Henifin said. "Again, too soon to tell. The City's Consent Decree, referenced by Drew is already stayed, there is no action needed or pending until Judge Wingate lifts the stay, which will happen at the end of the Sewer Stipulated Order in October 2027 or when he lifts the stay on the drinking water action, once he makes a final decision in the water case."
