OPINION: Jackson residents cannot afford another water rate hike

By Councilman Brian Grizzell

Ward 4, Jackson, MS

Jackson residents are already struggling under the weight of rising costs, and yet JXN Water is proposing another water rate increase – just months after the last one. With the $40 availability fee already in place, many residents, particularly seniors and those on fixed incomes, are making impossible choices: paying their water bill or putting food on the table. This is unacceptable.

As City Councilman and Vice President of the Council, I do not support this proposed increase. While I recognize the need for sustainable funding to maintain our water system, raising rates on those who already pay their bills is not the answer. Instead, JXN Water should focus on increasing collections from those who do not pay rather than penalizing those who do. Additionally, the organization must prioritize cutting unnecessary expenses and ensuring a competitive procurement process to maximize efficiency and transparency.

Jackson residents deserve accountability and fairness – not endless financial burdens. Any decision impacting our community should be made with public input, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. JXN Water must explore alternative solutions before asking struggling households to pay even more.

Our water system is vital, but so is protecting the people who depend on it. Jacksonians cannot afford another rate hike, and I stand firmly against it. We must find a better way.