JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) - The City of Jackson and JXN Water clashed over a proposed water rate increase that JXN Water was pushing for. Council members said some customers may not be able to afford the new rates.

Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin said the new rates would go into effect 30 days after the City Council passes an ordinance. If the City Council doesn't approve the new rates, they would go into effect 30 days after a judge issues an order.

The average bill for residents would see an increase of about 11.7% per customer.

Henifin said there needs to be a rate adjustment in order to keep sewage off the streets and keep water available for customers. He told the City Council that the existing rates can only generate just above $115 million at 100% collection rate.

According to Henifin, the proposed rates would generate more than $148 million at 100% collection rate. He stated that JXN Water won't be at 100% with the new rates, so there will still be a gap.

“On an average bill, if you take the averages, they're paying $76 a month now. They'll be paying about $84 a month about $0.30 a day," Henifin stated.

He also reminded the City Council and the mayor that he stood before them due to history of underfunding water and sewage within the city.

City Council President Virgi Lindsay, Ward 7, said the Council will vote on the rate increase proposal on April 22, 2025.