City approves water sewer improvement contract - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

City approves water sewer improvement contract

While the City of Jackson considers a solution to its water problems with a proposed water sewer contract, some residents oppose the plan.

Seimens proposed a $90 million dollar Energy Performance Contract to make improvements to the aging water and sewer system.

Residents could expect increased fees if the council approves the plan which would include the installation of new digital meters.

It also includes updating the billing system and making repairs at the two water plants and to the vast system of sewer lines.

The council voted five to two to approve the Siemens deal.

Council Members Charles Tillman and Larita Cooper-Stokes opposed the measure.

Some said the contract will hurt those on fixed incomes.

"This is crazy. We got seniors here who can barely make it and if you put those meters in and I talked to some of the people in Clinton. They're talking about their water bill is already high and they got those new digital meters. We don't need any. Yall better wake up," said Ward Three resident Geneva Johnson.

Council members made no comments after the vote.

Under a consent decree with the E.P.A. and D.E.Q., Jackson must pay $400 million dollars in fines and improvement costs because of the problem plagued water/sewer system.

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