JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
With a deadline looming to redraw redistrict lines, there was another day of dissention, lack of consensus and delay at Jackson City Hall.
After an hour and a half meeting by the rules committee, members ended up right back where they started. They decided to keep a contract with DL Johnson Consulting Firm to redraw district lines. Some members wanted the contract rescinded after expressing concerns about delays.
A representative assured council members the firm is ready to move forward.
"We are prepared to go straight to public hearings, have maps presented back that the council and public can have further input," said Hollis Watkins.
"We've waited too long to get started we have a contract we have a vendor and Mr. Watkins has assured us of this ability to perform," said Ward 3 councilwoman Larita Cooper-Stokes.
Frustrated with the proposal to start all over and hire a different consulting firm, councilwoman Cooper-Stokes walked out.
Members of the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District were present. They offered to draw redistricting maps for $18,000 cheaper than DL Johnson Consulting, the vendor awarded the contract.
It's now up to the mayor to sign off on it.
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