Jackson City Council Plans Vote on Proposed 12% Water Rate Increase

The Jackson City Council is set to deliberate on a proposed 12% rate increase for JXN Water, which would add approximately $9 to the average residential bill. Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin argues the increase is essential to cover operating costs, which exceed $145 million, as current revenues fall short. Council members, including Ward Six Councilman Aaron Banks, express skepticism, suggesting that the focus should be on reducing costs rather than raising rates. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has also voiced concerns, pointing to expenditures like advertising that could be cut to alleviate the financial burden on residents. The council is expected to vote on the proposal in two weeks, but if rejected, Henifin warns that a federal judge may intervene. This proposal comes as the city grapples with long-standing funding issues in its water and sewage systems.