Latest news with #JXNWater
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson faces $6.4M water bill debt, city zoo accounts for largest share. What to know
The City of Jackson owes JXN Water approximately $6.4 million in unpaid water bills, U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate revealed during a Tuesday, July 29, status conference inside the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse. Roughly $6 million — the largest portion of the $6.4 million — in outstanding bills stems from the Jackson Zoological Park, which has faced longstanding issues. Issues include, low attendance, declining revenues, animal deaths, deteriorating exhibits and the zoo's location. In September 2019, the Jackson City Council voted to sue the zoo's managing board for more than $6 million in unpaid water bills. A month later, the city and the Jackson Zoological Society reached a settlement with the city getting the zoo animals and dropping its $6 million demand. During Tuesday's court session, Wingate questioned JXN Water's Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin about how the unpaid bills had accumulated over time without the utility demanding payment. Henifin revealed that discussions about the zoo's "tremendous" and "significant" water loss occurred between the city and the utility about a year ago, but no action followed. As of Tuesday, July 29, Henifin said JXN Water had not yet discussed any installment plans with the city to address the matter. "This is embarrassing that the city is so in debt. … (The city) wants to take back over the water system but can't pay its bills," Wingate said. That dialogue emerged during the same status conference, where Henifin said he would consider resigning after Wingate refused to implement a proposed water-rate increase. The new rate increase would raise the average residential water bill from approximately $76 per month to $85 per month — up $9 a month, or roughly 12% higher than current rates. That also represents an increase of about $0.30 per day for average customers. Wingate said that upon seeing the list, he envisioned a public forum where some constituents might express frustration over a rate increase, "when the city is $6.4 million in arrears." Battle between city & state over water: Jackson water crisis flows from a century of poverty, neglect and racism "I'll have to explain to somebody how it is that someone on a meager income is being asked to squeeze that income when the city of Jackson hasn't squeezed its income or squeezed its belt at all," Wingate said. Henifin said that while the city's outstanding water bills could improve the utility's collection rate — currently around 71% — it has "no impact" on the proposed rate increase. As Henifin has repeatedly said, even if every customer paid their bills in full, the utility would still fall short of meeting its financial obligations, which makes a rate increase essential. In addition to questioning the payment, Wingate also asked Henifin if the information had been withheld for political reasons, referencing the April 2025 municipal elections where newly elected Jackson Mayor John Horhn defeated two-term incumbent Chokwe Antar Lumumba in a Democratic runoff. Henifin said that his "strained relationship" with Lumumba is well-documented, and added that he would not have taken any action to influence the election, particularly, in favor of Lumumba. "We didn't have the list until recently, when I sent it on," Henifin said. "I hadn't considered what was outstanding or the political implications of releasing or withholding that information." Henifin said he only discovered the city's unpaid bills when JXN Water staff began searching for larger sources of uncollected revenue. Judge delays water rate hike: JXN Water's Ted Henifin said he is considering resigning if the water rate does not increase "Over a year ago, as we were receiving city accounts, we paid particular attention to the zoo because of the water loss coming through the zoo's meters," Henifin said. "We went and looked at those in-depth and worked with the city at the time to hire a contractor to see if we could figure out where the water loss was. "It appears it is related to the chimpanzee exhibit, which has a lake surrounding the island where the animals are. We narrowed it down to that and turned it back over to the city, because they would have to relocate animals, drain the lake." Jackson police on MS homeless laws: Police chief says Jackson will set tone and be the 'crash test dummy,' on enforcing MS homeless laws Henifin said JXN Water anticipated the city would take action, but meters indicate the park is still losing a "tremendous amount of water." Henifin expressed surprise to Wingate about the number of city accounts that were past due, with some accounts identified as a daycare center, fire stations and swimming pools. Henifin said efforts are underway to investigate accounts with significant water losses while working to address payment on others. Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson owes $6.4 million in water bills due to leak at Jackson Zoo Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge holds off decision for proposed Jackson water rate increase. When will ruling come?
U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate and JXN Water's Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin continued to hear the public's concerns about a proposed water rate hike during a Tuesday, June 17, status conference. The first day of the public hearing happened Monday, June 16, inside the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse, and resumed for a second day on Tuesday, June 17. The new rate increase would raise the average residential water bill from approximately $76 per month to $85 per month — up $9 a month, or roughly 12% higher than current rates. That also represents an increase of about $0.30 per day for average customers. In April, all six members present on the Jackson City Council voted to oppose the proposed water rate increase. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has previously stated he is not in favor of the hike as well. The council's vote carries little real weight as a 2022 federal order allows Henifin to implement a rate increase with only Wingate's approval. Henifin has warned that without the increase, JXN Water would exhaust the federal funding allocated to the city's water system in 2022. Henifin stated the utility is operating at a financial deficit of $3 million per month. That could slow the pace of repairs to the water system, Henifin has said. JXN Water stated a rate increase is needed to cover debt incurred by the City of Jackson for its water and sewer system from 1993 to 2013, that the utility was required to assume by the federal court. On Tuesday, Wingate did not make a ruling on the rate increase. Wingate said his decision will be a bench opinion, a decision made by a judge inside the courtroom. "As I stated before, we did this because we wanted to have input," Wingate said. "And now, I'm going to put together all of the information I've heard and make some final determination. "We do have a new administration about to come in Jackson. Now, that administration had asked that I do not make a decision too quickly before they have a chance to learn something about this matter. I want them to know as much as possible, but unfortunately, we can't wait forever for them to be brought up to speed. No decision will be made this week, but I can't speak for next week because my pen is itching to move on this matter." If approved, it would mark the second water rate hike for Jackson residents in under two years. All city council members abstained from voting on increasing the city's water rates in March 2024. Anti-Trump protest in Jackson: Thousands turn out for 'No Kings' protest against President Trump at MS State Capitol The hearing on Tuesday ran from 1 to 3 p.m., seeing minimal turnout and no council members present. Attendees were mostly media and legal personnel. The court heard from one community member who opposed the rate hike and from Henifin who reiterated the need to increase the rate. Jackson resident Oliver O'Quinn argued in the courtroom for the utility to "force payments or shut off the water" for non-paying customers, saying the issue would "keep going on and on" without consequences. O'Quinn questioned why the debt burden must fall on paying customers. "To me, it's not fair to charge the people that don't owe the water company anything, and charge them because people haven't paid," O'Quinn said. "I would suggest that you go after the people that owe you the money. Don't just take it from people that don't owe you nothing." In response, Henifin said, "I would like to reemphasize a driving point here, over the last two days. Even if 100% of the people pay their bills, we fall short of meeting our obligations." The city's worst debt offenders appear to be tied to apartment complexes. During Tuesday's hearing, Henifin revealed that approximately 138 apartment complexes owe $7.5 million to JXN Water. The top 15 owe $5.7 million, alone. The outstanding balance was accrued over a 2-and-a-half-year period, as stated by Henifin. MS law enforcement on reducing crime: Jackson hosts metro law enforcement crime summit on gang, youth violence in Mississippi Henifin said apartment complexes cite various "excuses" for not paying their debts, such as never receiving bills and needing a "bigger adjustment" on leaks, with reasons that "go on and on." Shutting off the water at those complexes has been a matter of discussion, Henifin said. "We've posted signs, at the top 15, to notify the residents to be prepared for water shut off, as a courtesy for the people who are living there because they're the ones that are going to be impacted," Henifin told the Court. According to Henifin, nearly 2,500 accounts — mostly families under one account — could lose water at the top 15 complexes. "The average family size in Jackson is around 2.7 people per family. So, round it to three because I've yet to meet the .7 person," Henifin said. "Three people for those 2,500 units. You're really talking about 7,500 people impacted." Precinct captains discuss crimes: What crimes does your Jackson precinct face? Here's what each precinct captain said Henifin said the utility plans to sue the owners to recover unpaid balances before tenants face any water shutoffs. No litigation costs have been factored, according to Henifin. Wingate asked Henifin, "What other avenue can you think of at this juncture, short of litigation route, to get these folks to pay?" "We haven't come up with anything other than that," Henifin told the Court. Shortly after, Wingate then posed a question to O'Quinn asking, "What should we do?" "I think you should go to the governor," O'Quinn said. "Let the state take on this problem and pay the bill. They have money. Let them pay the bill, and they fight the people that owe money. Y'all, lawyers and judge, you know what to do. Don't just grind the citizens of Jackson down." In response, Wingate said, "What you mean, go to the government and let them do it? What's your theory as to how we do that?" "Get the money?" O'Quinn said. "Yes," Wingate answered. "I couldn't tell you. If I could tell you that, then I'd be up there where you at," O'Quinn said. A few laughs rung out across the courtroom at O'Quinn and Wingate's interaction. Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson water proposed rate increase discussed at public court hearing
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mayor Lumumba addresses council's hiring freeze, says recent hires were about serving residents
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba defended two recent hires made during the final weeks of his second term — decisions that prompted the Jackson City Council to pass an ordinance implementing a hiring freeze on most city positions through the end of June. Lumumba recently appointed Tariq Abdul-Tawwab as deputy director of the Public Works Department and former Hinds County Supervisor David Archie as a staff assistant in the mayor's office. Abdul-Tawwab previously served as 'chief experience officer' at JXN Water in 2023 but left later that year. His wife, Candace Abdul-Tawwab, is a director at the People's Advocacy Institute, a nonprofit founded by the mayor's sister, Rukia Lumumba. Archie, who ran against Lumumba in the April 1 primary, endorsed the mayor ahead of the April 22 runoff, according to a Facebook post shared by Lumumba on April 18. Council President and Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay, who introduced the hiring freeze ordinance on May 20, previously confirmed the two appointments influenced her decision to bring the legislation forward. Speaking after the council's Tuesday meeting, Lumumba initially declined to comment, saying, 'I don't have any thoughts,' when asked about the council's hiring freeze. But he later defended the hires, saying both positions were vacant and essential to city operations. "Both of those positions were vacant and they both serve the community and our responsibility is to serve the community until the end," Lumumba said. "One vacancy deals directly with constituent complaints every day, so if people are in need of water at senior centers, if people need somebody to come check out their pothole — I would imagine that the residents don't want me to leave them with 60 days of not responding to those issues." Lumumba also pushed back on criticism that the hires were politically motivated. "It's not a political thing. It's a responding thing. So both of those positions are about responding to residents needs," Lumumba said. Before Lumumba addressed the hiring freeze, the council approved an amendment to the original ordinance during its regular meeting to allow for additional hires. The original ordinance, obtained by the Clarion Ledger, freezes all vacant positions — and those expected to become vacant — within the executive branch, except for roles specifically assigned to the Jackson Police Department and Jackson Fire Department. Lindsay introduced the amendment to allow JPD to hire critical positions, such as 911 dispatchers. It also permits the hiring of seasonal workers in the Department of Parks and Recreation, including an educational specialist and three zookeepers at the Jackson Zoo, two lifeguards and park maintenance staff. The amendment further allows the city to hire CDL drivers for the Division of Solid Waste and two employees in the Department of Finance and Administration, positions Chief Financial Officer Fidelis Malembeka said he is prepared to fill. The council passed the amended ordinance in a 6-0 vote. Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes was not in attendance when the vote was called. The hiring freeze remains until June 30. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS mayor Lumumba defends hires as council tweaks city hiring freeze
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Public Water Quality Advisory issued for Pearl River
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – JXN Water officials announced untreated sewage was discharged, leading to a Public Water Quality Advisory for the Pearl River. According to officials, JXN Water's West Bank Interceptor failed where it crosses Hanging Moss Creek on the west side of the Pearl River. They said the untreated sewage has been and continues to be discharged into the creek from the pipe crossing to the confluence of Hanging Moss Creek and the Pearl River and southward down the Pearl River. Utica water system affected by well malfunction The public is advised to avoid contact with the water in these areas until further notice. Officials said crews are working to contain the flow and anticipate stopping the overflow by Monday, June 1, 2025. 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
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.
