Gov. Tate Reeves announced Friday he will not yet name his appointees to the Metro Jackson Water Authority board. The decision follows a U.S. District Court’s injunction that halts certain actions by the authority until a legal review is complete, according to Reeves’ social media post.
The court’s order, issued Thursday by Judge Henry Wingate, maintains the ‘status quo’ and prevents the authority from taking action until the judge rules on whether the new governance structure conflicts with his oversight of Jackson’s water and sewer systems. Wingate’s injunction allows officials to appoint board members while reviewing House Bill 1677, which set a deadline for appointments this past Friday.
Reeves stated he does not see a conflict between the water authority and Wingate’s oversight but is respecting the court’s injunction. The governor emphasized that the authority’s creation under HB 1677 is the best way to prevent future issues, citing improvements made since the 2022 crisis. He also criticized the city of Jackson for protesting the bill, which lacked a majority of city appointments on the board.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn’s selections for the board include Daniel Walker, a water treatment professional, and Shirley Tucker, a local business leader. The city’s other appointee is Austin Barbour, a political consultant and nephew of former Gov. Haley Barbour. Jackson’s City Council is expected to confirm these appointments Tuesday.
The final seat will be decided between Mayor Horhn and Reeves. Horhn recommended retired Major General Augustus Collins, a Jackson State University graduate and former adjutant general of Mississippi. Collins served in Operations Desert Shield/Storm and Iraqi Freedom, according to his biography. The court’s review and the city council’s confirmation process remain ongoing.
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
