AN ACT TO CREATE THE METRO JACKSON WATER AUTHORITY ACT; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS RELATING TO THIS ACT; TO ESTABLISH THE METRO JACKSON WATER AUTHORITY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE METRO JACKSON WATER AUTHORITY; TO REQUIRE THE AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE CITY OF JACKSON TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE WATER SYSTEM BY LEASE TO THE AUTHORITY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A PRESIDENT OF THE AUTHORITY WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME PERIOD; TO PROVIDE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY; TO REQUIRE THE PRESIDENT OF THE AUTHORITY TO SUPERVISE ALL ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES AS PROVIDED IN THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY SERVE AT THE WILL AND PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT; TO REQUIRE THE AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR MAJOR PROCUREMENTS ONLY AFTER A COMPETITIVE AND OPEN PROCUREMENT PROCESS; TO REQUIRE THAT MONIES RECEIVED BE DEPOSITED INTO CERTAIN OPERATING ACCOUNTS; TO PROVIDE THAT DIVISION HEADS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS; TO AUTHORIZE ANY PUBLIC AGENCY TO ENTER INTO CERTAIN CONTRACTS WITH THE AUTHORITY; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY; TO AUTHORIZE THE AUTHORITY TO BORROW MONEY AND ISSUE BONDS AND INTERIM NOTES; TO AUTHORIZE THE AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A TRUSTEE TO REPRESENT THE REGISTERED OWNERS OF ANY ISSUE OF BONDS IN THE ENFORCEMENT OR PROTECTION OF THEIR RIGHTS UNDER ANY SUCH RESOLUTION, TRUST INDENTURE OR SECURITY INSTRUMENT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE AUTHORITY IS NOT REQUIRED TO PAY ANY TAX OR ASSESSMENT ON ANY PROPERTY OWNED BY THE AUTHORITY OR UPON ANY INCOME THEREFROM; TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE, COUNTY, MUNICIPALITIES OR PUBLIC AGENCIES WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE AUTHORITY ARE AUTHORIZED TO ADVANCE, AT ANY TIME, SUCH FUNDS WHICH IN THEIR DISCRETION ARE NECESSARY, OR BORROW SUCH FUNDS BY ISSUANCE OF NOTES, FOR INITIAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION, AND TO COVER START-UP COSTS UNTIL SUCH TIMES AS SUFFICIENT BONDS, ASSETS AND REVENUES HAVE BEEN SECURED TO SATISFY THE NEEDS OF THE AUTHORITY FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND FORMATION; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 21-19-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATES TO THE ROLE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNING AUTHORITIES, FOR PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 21-19-2, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATES TO THE COLLECTION OF FEES AND CHARGES, FOR PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 27-65-241, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATES TO SPECIAL SALES TAXES FOR MUNICIPALITIES, FOR PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 21-27-11, 21-27-13, 21-27-15, 21-27-17, 21-27-19, 21-27-21, 21-27-23, 21-27-25, 21-27-27, 21-27-29, 21-27-31, 21-27-33, 21-27-35, 21-27-37, 21-27-39, 21-27-40, 21-27-41, 21-27-43, 21-27-45, 21-27-47, 21-27-49, 21-27-51, 21-27-53, 21-27-55, 21-27-57, 21-27-59, 21-27-61, 21-27-63, 21-27-65, 21-27-67, 21-27-69, 21-27-71, 21-27-73 AND 21-27-75, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATE TO MUNICIPALLY OWNED UTILITIES, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 21-33-45 AND 27-39-307, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATE TO MUNICIPAL AD VALOREM TAXES, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
The new Metro Jackson Water Authority is tasked with ensuring not only the management of existing water and wastewater systems but also seeks to enhance service reliability, compliance with health standards, and efficient operation. It would have the ability to collect rates and make improvements in service delivery, backed by financial instruments such as bonds. The authority also will not be subject to certain taxes on its property, providing a financial advantage to maintain and operate these services effectively and sustainably.
Senate Bill 2611, known as the Metro Jackson Water Authority Act, is designed to establish a new authority responsible for managing water and wastewater services in the Metro Jackson area. The legislation aims to delineate the authority's structure, including the composition of its board, and its powers, which include negotiating with the City of Jackson for the lease of existing water system assets. This measure arises from ongoing concerns about the City of Jackson's ability to provide reliable water service, particularly following federal scrutiny regarding compliance with safe drinking water regulations.
However, notable points of contention surrounding SB2611 include concerns about governance and accountability within the new authority, particularly regarding financial management and operational transparency. Critics may express fears about the potential for overreach by appointed board members, and the authority's ability to effectively negotiate with existing city officials about service standards and rate structures. Additionally, the plan to fund start-up costs through advances from local governments raises questions about financial responsibility and the implications for taxpayers in the area.