The Jackson City Council confirmed Lorenzo Anderson as director of Public Works on Sept. 30 after extensive questioning about streets, drainage, the motor pool and the city’s capacity to manage water and sewer operations if control returns to the city.

Why it matters: The public works director oversees street maintenance, drainage, solid waste and municipal vehicle fleets in a city with extensive infrastructure needs. Council members emphasized quick action to address potholes, drainage failures and fleet readiness.

Key takeaways from the confirmation
- Experience and priorities: Anderson, a licensed professional engineer with roughly 25 years of experience in municipal engineering and management, told the council he has worked across drainage, sewer, water and street projects and emphasized asset management and condition assessment as initial steps.
- Motor pool and equipment readiness: Council members asked Anderson to prioritize the motor‑pool facility near Hawkins Field, noting breakdowns of expensive vac trucks and long repair delays. Anderson agreed that reliable in‑house maintenance and an efficient motor pool are priorities.
- Coordination with Hinds County: Members discussed coordination with the Hinds County Board of Supervisors on roads that lie in county jurisdiction but affect city residents; Anderson said he already has working relationships and would use traffic counts and engineering assessments to prioritize repairs.
- Waste and debris handling: Anderson said he has experience with solid‑waste and environmental rules and will follow DEQ and EPA requirements in cleanup and disaster response.
- Bond funding announced: Council leadership announced a newly signed $40 million bond issue during the meeting; council members urged that bond proceeds be focused on ditches, drainage, street and bridge repairs.

Outcome: Anderson’s confirmation passed by a recorded vote (count noted during the meeting). Council members pledged to meet with Anderson, urged accessibility and responsiveness, and asked for quick assessments of street and drainage priorities.