Terry, South Jackson water bills spark PSC debate

Mississippi leaders are considering solutions to rising water bills as the Mississippi Public Service Commission debated two proposals during a meeting Tuesday.

Residents in Terry have reported receiving water bills between $300 and $450 after typically paying less than $50, while South Jackson residents have seen bills totaling thousands of dollars earlier this year.

Commissioner De’Keither Stamps proposed creating a permanent federal water affordability program, which he said would help families maintain water service and strengthen aging infrastructure.

“What we’re proposing is to support this resolution so that we can move forward and get more federal support for the water needs of this country,” Stamps said. “Washington, D.C. has made utilities political. The reason why the equipment, the reason why the supplies are rising to an unreasonable cost is because of the inflation. And Washington, D.C. is causing it; the Republicans and the Democrats.”

Commissioner Chris Brown opposed Stamps’ proposal and introduced a substitute resolution. Brown said government funding may be appropriate for infrastructure projects but should not be used to pay customers’ utility bills.

“We’re introducing a resolution that reflects a simple but powerful idea: Mississippians taking care of Mississippians. This resolution encourages our churches, business leaders, civic organizations, and neighbors to come together to help families struggling to keep the water on, keep the lights on, keep the sewer processed,” Brown said.

Stamps ultimately supported Brown’s substitute resolution but cautioned that many local organizations are also facing higher utility costs.

Both commissioners said Tuesday’s discussion is only the beginning as they continue searching for a long-term solution to rising water bills across Mississippi.