Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes is intensifying efforts to restore Jackson’s control over its water system by proposing a new resolution. On Tuesday, October 7, the City Council approved the measure 6-1, urging the federal government to overturn the 2022 court ruling that placed JXN Water in charge of operations. Stokes argues that many residents have lost confidence in the federally appointed utility, citing widespread complaints about billing and service.
Although the resolution carries no legal authority—only U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate can halt federal management—the Council’s vote highlights mounting dissatisfaction with JXN Water’s performance.
Personal Stories Fuel the Debate
Tensions reached a peak nearly two weeks ago when Stokes visited the home of 74-year-old Johnnye Jackson, who endured 11 days without running water, despite calling JXN 43 times after her service was cut off for alleged unpaid bills. Jackson, who lives alone near Hawkins Field Airport, insists the charges—$700–$800 balances—were erroneous, given that she typically pays about $80 a month. A separate resolution, introduced by Stokes to push JXN Water to issue billing adjustments for residents hit by brown water or incorrect charges, passed unanimously.
Changing Stances in the Council
From Support of Federal Takeover to Demanding Return
When Jackson’s water system collapsed in 2022, most current council members supported federal intervention as a necessary emergency measure. At that time, Stokes, along with Councilmen Brian Grizzell, Vernon Hartley, and Ashby Foote, voted to welcome federal management.
Under Judge Wingate’s order, JXN Water—led by interim administrator Ted Henifin—was tasked with rehabilitating Jackson’s aging infrastructure, fixing billing inconsistencies, and distributing hundreds of millions in federal relief funds.
Nearly three years later, Stokes, Grizzell, and Hartley have aligned with the majority to demand local control be restored. The only dissenting vote came from Foote. Additional yes votes came from Councilwoman Tina Clay (Ward 2), Councilwoman Lashia Brown-Thomas (Ward 6), and Councilman Kevin Parkinson (Ward 7)—though they were not on the Council when JXN Water was first established.
Stokes remarked, “He (Wingate) intervened when citizens were being treated poorly, but now the city should assume responsibility once more, since JXN Water is mistreating these citizens.”
Timeline and Transition Planning
Hartley, while appreciative of JXN Water’s efforts to date, inquired about a transition schedule. Chief Administrative Officer Pieter Teeuwissen responded that a transition plan must be in place by October 2026. He added that he, Mayor John Horhn, and Henifin met recently to work on that plan.
Teeuwissen emphasized that all parties—the city, JXN Water, Mississippi’s Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), and the EPA—consider the system to currently be in an interim phase. The critical question, he said, is “what comes next and when.” He predicted the shift might occur sooner than earlier projections.
Council President Grizzell expressed optimism about regaining control but cautioned that future management should avoid disruptions caused by political turnover. He proposed creating an independent water authority to maintain institutional stability across administrations and safeguard against service lapses.
Foote, the lone “no” vote, argued that Jackson should prioritize issues such as crime, blight, and population decline, allowing Wingate and Henifin to continue managing the water system for now. He conceded many problems—such as low revenue collection and outstanding balances at apartment complexes—but said the city must not be distracted from its core challenges.
Conclusion
Councilman Kenneth Stokes’s resolution reflects a growing consensus among Jackson’s leadership: residents deserve a trustworthy, locally controlled water system. While legal authority still rests with U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, the City Council’s 6-1 vote signals mounting political pressure to reclaim oversight from JXN Water. With a transition deadline of October 2026, a careful plan—including possibly an independent water authority—will be critical to ensure stability, continuity, and accountability once local control is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What authority does the Council’s resolution have?
The resolution is symbolic only; it cannot force a change in management. Only U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate has the power to end federal oversight of Jackson’s water system.
Why did Jackson agree to federal control in 2022?
At the time, Jackson’s water system was failing. Many council members believed federal intervention via JXN Water was necessary to stabilize infrastructure, fix billing, and restore consistent service.
What is the timeline for the city to take back water system control?
According to Chief Administrative Officer Pieter Teeuwissen, Jackson must present a transition plan by October 2026, though negotiations and planning are already underway and could accelerate.
