Residents of Hinds County expressed growing frustration over significant increases in water and sewage rates during a recent public meeting. One local resident highlighted a dramatic rise in water costs, noting that his bill had surged from $15 for 3,000 gallons to over $21 for just 1,000 gallons. He emphasized the financial strain these hikes impose on fixed-income households, stating, \"We're already choosing between drugs, food, and other things. Why is water one of those things?\"

Another resident, Roger Ross, detailed his own experience with sewage rate increases, revealing that his monthly bill skyrocketed from $7.46 in August 2021 to $66.50 by September 2024. He pointed out that the rate more than doubled after Great River took over the sewage facility, with a staggering 32% increase occurring within just one year.

Both speakers called for more reasonable rate adjustments, expressing concern that continued increases could force families to make difficult choices regarding essential services. The meeting underscored the urgent need for dialogue between utility providers and the community to address these escalating costs and their impact on residents' livelihoods.