Jackson resident’s water bill nightmare
A Jackson resident says she was billed hundreds of dollars she didn’t owe, highlighting concerns about the city’s water system.Johnnye Jackson says her latest water statement came to $734 — charges she says actually belonged to her neighbor. “They told me it was from a transfer. Again, I haven’t transferred from any place, so I said, you need to look at this and get back with me,” Jackson said.She says every time she calls, she gets the run-around. “This didn’t happen once; it happened 43 times. I called 43 times, and I couldn’t get through,” Jackson added. After a full week without running water, service was finally restored — but she says it was brown and unsafe.Frustrated, Jackson turned to Ward 3 Councilman Kenny Stokes, who says her story is one of many he’s heard across the city. Stokes admits he and other council members may have acted too quickly when they approved transferring control of the water system to JXN Water.”It has gotten to the point where we need to reconsider the decision of Jackson Water in this city,” Stokes said. “If Jackson Water is not going to change, it’s time for them to go. Returning control to the city would bring transparency and accountability residents deserve.”Stokes says he plans to raise the issue at the next city council meeting, calling for stricter oversight and clear guidelines for managing the water system.Meanwhile, residents like Jackson say they are still confused and frustrated by the way JXN Water has handled the situation. “They’re going to get their funds one way or the other. I feel like these seniors are the ones that have to put up with it. I really do,” Jackson said.WAPT reached out to JXN Water for comment, but has not received a response.
A Jackson resident says she was billed hundreds of dollars she didn’t owe, highlighting concerns about the city’s water system.
Johnnye Jackson says her latest water statement came to $734 — charges she says actually belonged to her neighbor. “They told me it was from a transfer. Again, I haven’t transferred from any place, so I said, you need to look at this and get back with me,” Jackson said.
She says every time she calls, she gets the run-around. “This didn’t happen once; it happened 43 times. I called 43 times, and I couldn’t get through,” Jackson added. After a full week without running water, service was finally restored — but she says it was brown and unsafe.
Frustrated, Jackson turned to Ward 3 Councilman Kenny Stokes, who says her story is one of many he’s heard across the city. Stokes admits he and other council members may have acted too quickly when they approved transferring control of the water system to JXN Water.
“It has gotten to the point where we need to reconsider the decision of Jackson Water in this city,” Stokes said. “If Jackson Water is not going to change, it’s time for them to go. Returning control to the city would bring transparency and accountability residents deserve.”
Stokes says he plans to raise the issue at the next city council meeting, calling for stricter oversight and clear guidelines for managing the water system.
Meanwhile, residents like Jackson say they are still confused and frustrated by the way JXN Water has handled the situation. “They’re going to get their funds one way or the other. I feel like these seniors are the ones that have to put up with it. I really do,” Jackson said.
WAPT reached out to JXN Water for comment, but has not received a response.