A judge has temporarily blocked a new state-created governing body that would manage Jackson’s water system once federal oversight ends.
U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, at the request of Jackson Mayor John Horhn, has put House Bill 1677, or the Metro Water Authority Act, on pause. The state law, which creates a nine-member board to run the city’s water and sewer system, was passed this year with little Democratic support and enacted by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves.
Per the legislation, the board is to be comprised of three appointments from Horhn, two from Reeves, one from Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, and one each from the mayors of Ridgeland and Byram, while the ninth member is to be jointly selected by the Jackson mayor and the governor. Horhn challenged the law, citing Jackson not having majority representation, while assuming all risks associated with the water system.
Wingate on Thursday prohibited HB 1677 from going into effect, stating that the federal government will maintain full authority over Jackson’s water and sewer operations until the court decides otherwise. Currently, JXN Water and interim third-party manager Ted Henifin administer Jackson’s water services to residents and businesses.
The judge further requested time to review the Metro Water Authority Act and determine whether the law encroaches on the authority of the federal court.
“Just as the city is concerned about the state encroaching on Jackson’s authority to manage its affairs, the court likewise has questions as to whether the state encroaches on federal authority regarding the future of Jackson water and wastewater,” Horhn said.
Wingate has given all parties involved in this litigation 10 days to submit briefs that address their positions in this case. As things stand, the only action that can be taken regarding the Metro Water Authority is the appointment of members. Horhn, while opposed to the legislation, has already named his appointments to the board in the event that it is cleared by the court. The mayors of Byram and Ridgeland, as well as Hosemann, have also named their appointments.
