Thursday, March 26, 2015

Mayor Yarber declares state of emergency.

Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber issued the following press release:


Mayor Tony T. Yarber Declares State of Emergency for City of Jackson Infrastructure

Mayor Tony T. Yarber on Thursday, March 26, signed an emergency declaration for the City of Jackson’s infrastructure system.

The Mayor has met with Gov. Phil Bryant and representatives of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, who all support the move. The city’s aged infrastructure system has been plagued by problems for decades, but it has reached a crisis point following severe winter weather.

“The city of Jackson’s drinking water quality is among the highest in state. But the issue is our failing infrastructure. I’m declaring this emergency to protect our city’s water quality,” Yarber said. “We are very serious about the quality of life we desire for residents in Jackson. With this declaration, we hope to gain access to federal funds that can expedite infrastructure repairs in this city. We have a plan to fix this.”

In recent weeks, there have been numerous water main breaks and a growing pothole problem. The water main breaks can cause extensive damage to public and private property. The breaks have the potential to lead to sewer problems and wastewater back-ups, which are obvious threats to public health.

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wait, this has been an option all this time? No kidding

Anonymous said...

Looks like the Mayor has been watching Season 3 of House of Cards and took a play out of Underwood's playbook.

Kingfish said...

There is money in the FEMA account?

Anonymous said...

We must do something; this is something; ....

But really, if it works, great.

Anonymous said...

Activate the MP company in Clinton. I know a few Jackson neighborhoods that could use an armored car with a SAW mounted on it.

Anonymous said...

Purchase laws are much more relaxed when a state of emergency is declared.

Anonymous said...

Stamps' continued stated interest in bringing all the infrastructure work in-house is the disasterous mistake on the horizon that still must be avoided.

Anonymous said...

Dubious what this achieves beyond the opening of doors to more graft and corruption. A relaxation of laws is a removal of checks and balances.

Anonymous said...

It's a sweet try on his part. Doesn't he remember the federal government are the ones who insist on having final say over how repair money is spent. Tax the renters $50 per head, per year for starters. They got time to have babies, now pay for them. Those fees could help fix the broken pipes. You want flush toilets and good drinking water, then you have to pay for it. No hand outs.

Kingfish said...

Huh? oooooooooooook.

Anonymous said...

This just means rules on contracting will not apply. More room for graft. No more Federal money that was always there. It is a sad day.

Anonymous said...

I cannot think of any other possible reason to do this except to circumvent procurement law. Unbelievable.

Doesn't the council have to vote on the emergency resolution, or is Jackson's governing structure organized differently?

Anonymous said...

Figure it this way KF. 100,000 families rent. That's $200 per yr for a household of 4 ($.58 per day) = $20 million per year extra, as homeowners already are paying their part. Just a thought.

Anonymous said...

Detroit-style play. LMAO

Anonymous said...

6:24 - I am assuming you just pulled that 100k number straight out of your ass, since the census shows there are only 62k households in the entire city. Also, are you apparently implying that the city does not bill for water service to rentals? Having a little trouble following.

Anonymous said...

This ought to really help sell the gazillion homes already for sale in Jackustan. States of Emergency are big investment motivators to buyers! Way to go Mayor!!

Anonymous said...

The fact that Tony Yarber sought counsel from Phil Bryant should scare the shit out of everyone regardless of your political persuasion.

Anonymous said...

Q-dawg gonna git that obama munee frum Unkle Sammie fore Jactroit whin heez n Congrass.

Anonymous said...

@ 6:56. No need to be rude. Guess I hit a nerve as you feel entitled to a free ride. Jackson has a population of more than 62k. If I'm wrong, so be it. The extra they'd provide is because renters don't pay school taxes, nor do they pay for trash removal. Times are changing. They need to pay their fair share and stop living off the landlords.

Anonymous said...

Looks like the Knave is either posting here or reading here and taking ideas for his own.

Anonymous said...

6:56, 6:24 also doesn't seem to realize that property owners pay property taxes on the properties they rent.

Anonymous said...

@ 6:56. No need to be rude. Guess I hit an "I'm entitled" nerve. Jackson does have more than 62k residents. If I'm wrong, so what, you get the idea. Renters don't pay school taxes nor do they pay for trash removal. Their dollars and you bet your booties they have $.58 @ day would go along way in fixing this mess. It wouldn't hurt them one bit. They just have to give a little, instead of taking.

Anonymous said...

@ 7:20. Exactly. Why can't the renters pay something, also. It's a viable untapped market.

Anonymous said...

Easing procurement rules even more? Boy, this seems a great idea especially since the city has done such a good job of awarding contracts in the past…Siemens deal. Too bad the city isn't suspending the EBO (guaranteed minority participation) requirements too…that would probably help more.

Anonymous said...

The fact that Tony Yarber sought counsel from Phil Bryant should scare the shit out of everyone regardless of your political persuasion.

Dude. Phil Bryant calls states of emergency when the NWS predicts a 20% chance of bad weather. Yarber was only asking for the finer points on how to hoodwink the public. Then Tony, like Phil, can go on Jackson radio to talk about how he guided the city in dodging a bullet. No pun intended.

Anonymous said...


Betcha the beneficiaries of Yarber's EMERGENCY large$$e have already been selected.

Meet the new Harvey, same as the old Harvey.

Anonymous said...

7:14 - I am assuming you do know that the owners of those rental properties are the ones paying the taxes you speak of. Not to mention that school taxes, for example, are for schools, not sewers. Or the whole county/city tax thing.

Anonymous said...

Well, something needs to be done. Have you seen the Adkins/Ridgewood intersection lately?

Anonymous said...

Don't forget that Kennuf is back too. I have no clue how that could play out but I shiver to think...

Anonymous said...

I don't understand all of this nonsense about renters paying fees. I couldn't care less what Jackson taxes are. If Jackson taxes go up, I just increase the rent on my properties. The renters are still paying it.

Anonymous said...

Now, where to build our factory…
How about fantasyland?

Anonymous said...

Yarber said, in part...... “We are very serious about the quality of life we desire for residents in Jackson.'
-----------------------------------
Who is the "we", and why are "they" so concerned about the quality of life in Jackson if the residents themselves don't give a crap about the quality of life in Jackson?

Anonymous said...

Priester already calling BS on Yarber's SoE gambit.

Anonymous said...

"http://www.denverpost.com/environment/ci_27778454/usgs-scientists-investigating-precious-metals-found-sewage-sludge?source=rss"

I figured out the funding angle - the next time Sheffield is awash in untreated human feces they can start panning for gold (and silver) using the new technology described by USGS scientists in that Denver Post article. Jackson could soon retire its bonds!

Driving Mr. Bennie said...

Where is this fellow named Bennie Thompson? If there's a federal money-wand to be waved, can't Uncle Bennie get it waved?

Instead of showing up waving a union banner at Nissan? Instead of getting wrapped around the axle of lynching a suicide victim, can't Bennie wave the money wand? Instead of getting MVSC to name buildings in his honor, can't he get money for Jacktown's sewer repairs?

Where is this magical, make-believe congressman when his district needs him? I'll tell you where he is.....he's off somewhere deciding which hushpuppy recipe to use at his next Bolton gathering and which barber-shop shirt to wear on his next junket with Charlie Rangel.

Anonymous said...

Watch for legislation increasing fees for all users of the water treatment plant in Jackson. That includes part of Madison. Also look for water prices to double over the next 5 years for users.

Happening all over

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/12/new_orleans_city_council_passe_4.html

Anonymous said...

7:44, you don't seem to realize that the rental market accounts for the costs of property taxes in the rents they charge. In other words, a portion of the rent paid by renters ultimately goes towards property taxes. It kills me that the same people who suggest renters pay some special tax because you ignorantly believe they don't contribute anything to property taxes are probably the same folks who rail against any other new tax.

Anonymous said...

6:40, doesn't Harper represent Jackson as well.

Tommy Can You Hear Me? said...

Taking a page out of King Harvey Johnson's "How-to-Run-Roughshod" book:

Some members of the Jackson City Council were "blindsided" by Mayor Tony Yarber's declaration of emergency announcement Thursday.
.....
"I would prefer if we, as a city council, we get a heads up," Foote said. "We're available by email or phone. I would like to get the details before it's released to the press."

Tillman, noting that Yarber is a former councilman, said he expected more from the mayor.

"You want the support of the council, and you being a former councilman, he promised he was going to keep us in the loop," Tillman said.

Anonymous said...

Mayor can not do this without city council approval.Means nothing.

Anonymous said...

this is so the mayor can reward his friends with no-bind "emergency" contracts. follow the money, guys.

Dumpster Diver said...

Really? How many of the mayor's friends have sewer repair experience?

Anonymous said...

Soc Garrett has experience in everything.

Anonymous said...

Garrett will be first in line. He'll probably use some hidden name though.

Anonymous said...

@8:40 you must have forgotten that Garrett had a big fat juicy contract under the Johnson administration to service the sewer plant in south jackson. Millions made by Garrett under his minority participation deal. millions.

Anonymous said...

anybody read the declaration yet? I haven't but I assume that it will also cover street repair and resurfacing projects that are part of the infrastructure plan. Garrett does a shit load of those projects for the city of jackson already. I guess this "emergency declaration" will allow the mayor to get around the normal bid processes and just make "emergency" awards to Garrett. Hmm.

Kingfish said...

I doubt that happens. From what I understand, there is a divorce.

Anonymous said...

Tony Yarber is a crook.. His whole game is money, contracts, getting underhanded money..


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.