Jackson council tables vote on appeal of 12% water-rate increase pending legal briefing

On March 10, 2026, the Jackson City Council debated whether to authorize the city attorney to file an appeal of a federal judge’s decision approving a 12% increase in water rates for Jackson customers. Councilman Stokes urged an appeal, saying the increase would force some residents—particularly elderly and fixed-income households—into hardship and that the city must pursue every legal option to avoid further shutoffs.

“Jackson just cannot—the citizen just cannot afford 12%,” Councilman Stokes said during public discussion, pressing the council to pursue an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Several public commenters had earlier told the council they opposed the increase and asked officials to prioritize low-income residents.

City legal staff told the council they would prefer to discuss legal strategy in executive session. Jason Neighbors of the city attorney’s office said the attorneys were available to discuss appeals and potential legal approaches but recommended that the discussion take place in closed session. Following that request, the mover and seconder withdrew the motion and the council tabled the item for executive-session briefing and further consideration.

Council members also discussed the water system’s availability fee: a council member noted the fee is $40 for most customers but $10 for customers on SNAP when the bill is in their name, a point staff said the administration should publicize to eligible residents.

The item was not voted on; the council moved the matter into executive session for legal counsel and to discuss next steps. The council instructed the city attorney to brief the body privately before bringing any formal appeal motion back to the public agenda.