A federal judge has issued a partial injunction restricting the operations of the Metro Jackson Water Authority, which was created by the state to take over Jackson’s water and sewer systems. U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate announced the ruling Monday, stating the authority can only appoint and seat its board members at this time.
The water authority, established through House Bill 1677 during the recent legislative session, is intended to take control after a federal receivership currently overseeing Jackson’s utilities. The court’s order prevents the authority from selecting a board president, enacting regulatory measures, finalizing lease agreements, issuing bonds, or exerting managerial influence unless explicitly authorized by the court.
Jackson officials argued that the law interferes with the federal receivership, which was initiated in 2022. In that order, Wingate appointed receiver Ted Henifin to develop a transition plan by Oct. 5. The judge noted the law only takes effect if Henifin and his company, JXN Water, are allowed to step down, and he retains the authority to reject the authority entirely if it is deemed unsuitable as a successor entity.
Wingate identified three ways the law could encroach on his oversight: its creation of a specific governance model that limits options, its stipulation that the authority’s president serve as Henifin’s deputy, and its requirement for immediate lease negotiations and bond issuance. The judge said such actions could undermine the unified management necessary for infrastructure recovery.
Most of the nine board members have been named, with Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann selecting Jackson businessman Sandy Carter, and other local officials choosing representatives. Jackson Mayor John Horhn selected Daniel Walker, Austin Barbour, and Shirley Tucker. The Jackson City Council must still confirm these choices. Gov. Tate Reeves has not named his selections, citing the court’s injunction, and will need to coordinate with Horhn on the ninth appointee, according to court documents.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
