Ridgeland said HB #1677 is a good start but there need to be some changes.
The bill will transfer control of Jackson's water/sewer system to a Metro Jackson Water Authority. A nine-member Board of Directors will govern the Authority. The bill passed the House of Representatives last week.
The city of Ridgeland's leaders looked at the bill and suggesting eight amendments. The biggest bone of contention for Ridgeland is the city's representation on the Board.
The bill states Jackson will have three seats on the board, the Mayor and two representatives approved by the City Council. The cities of Byram and Ridgeland are each allowed to nominate a representative but nominees must be approved by the Jackson City Council.
This little proviso did not sit too well with either burb. Byram Mayor Richard White said yesterday the legislature should remove the Jackson City Council approval requirement for Byram. Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGhee wholeheartedly agreed. The first amendment on Ridgeland's list is one that will remove the City Council requirement.
Ridgeland also wants to require the Authority to follow public purchasing and bidding laws. The Authority doesn't have to follow such statutes in the bill.
The city also wants to retain control of sewer rates. The bill gives the Authority the authority to adjust water and sewer rates. Ridgeland wants sole authority to raise sewer rates for its customers. (KF: Sorry, but everyone should pay the same rate if a part of the system.).
The amendments are posted below.
27 comments:
If the authority can raise rates why is Jxn against Jxn Water raise?
Why is Jxn whining about Jxn Water and bidding?
Is there a reason the authority would be set up where it doesn’t have to follow the state bidding and purchasing laws?
Jackson mayor involved in that.
From the bill:
One member-at-large, living or working in the service area, to be recommended by the mayor of the City of Byram, appointed by the mayor of Jackson, and confirmed by the Jackson City Council
One member-at-large, living or working in the service area, to be recommended by the mayor of the City of Ridgeland, appointed by the mayor of Jackson, and confirmed by the Jackson City Council
So Byram and Ridgeland can only “recommend” the member but then has to be appointed by the Mayor??? What role does the Mayor play exactly for the Byram and Ridgeland “recommendations”? Seems to me the Mayor could say to Byram and Ridgeland nope I don’t like your recommendation, I’m appointing this person instead.
I live in Ridgeland and do not want to be partners with the City of Jackson in any way. Like saving a drowning person and getting pulled under!
So now both Walter Michel and David Blount have to decide if they want to knife constituents in the back.
That decision seems easy to me. Blount and Michael will shiv his constituents in the back.
Then y'all are going to have to build your own waste water treatment plant.
8:14: that's a terrible attitude
RECAP:
The legislature and our beloved governor have now said Jackson is incompetent to 1) run the AIRPORT (replace the board), 2) repair the STREETS (1% commission), 3) operate the POLICE (CCID), and 4) provide WATER and remove POO (the water authority).
Other than that, all is well. Except for the bribery allegations. And the Convention Center. And Thalia Mara Hall. And the Zoo. And the Animal Shelter. And the Farish Street Project. And the City cemeteries. And . . . .
So what is Gene McGee worried about? Come on, Gene. You can trust Jackson to do right, right?
But you did not disagree.
Jackistan is doomed and Horhn and the JPD chief are woke. She will sue Jackistan for discrimination before the end of his first term. Bet
Best closing argument ever….
Excellent recap.
Ridgeland needs Jackson to function; otherwise "Jackson" will not stay in "Jackson" where it belongs.
The Authority should have the right to charge Ridgeland whatever it costs to transport and treat their sewer. The authority should bill them monthly like is done now. Ridgeland can charge its customers whatever they want to cover that charge plus costs to operate and maintain their collection system.
What bottom-feeding legislator wants state bidding laws ignored? Has to be some grift involved there (I know that's hard to believe about legislators in Mississippi.)
Dear Gene McGee,
The answer is NO, SIR! West Rankin Utility Authority will NOT accept your city's waste.
Signed,
West Rankin Utility Authority Member Municipalities
Absolutely do not merge anything with Jackson Water, All other parties will wind up picking up the slack and there will be a lot of slack. Are you serious-who and why would suggest this? That person is getting paid good to push this one here.
9:17 He's not asking for that.
Difference being those who roam to Ridgeland that do not behave themselves will be arrested, then incarcerated shortly thereafter.
Telling how they hammer Henifin for not competitively bidding then propose to do the exact same thing.
Knowing the history of the city of Jackson's mayor, and council, it would be very foolish to give them too much authority, at least that's my opinion. Any voting power given to the representatives of the city will need to be balanced by equal voting power of other members.
The state should take over Jackson and get it over with. We all know Jackson is never changing for the better. We need people to stop lying to themselves.
Historically, bids appear rigged by unqualified minority contractors who add their cut after engaging the qualified subcontractors which inflates the contract along with the old change order scheme which sometimes exceeds the highest bid. Needless to say fairness doesn't exist when the inside person structures the needed winning bid amount for the circle of Greed, Hustlers and Vulture team. That's why!
Why did certain Jackson Reps vote PRESENT?
Maybe it time for Madison County to have its own wastewater treatment plant instead on depending on Jackson.
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