JXN Water proposes independent authority to run Jackson water system

JXN Water’s transition plan proposes moving Jackson’s water and sewer systems from federal interim management to an independent, customer-governed public authority, rather than returning control to city officials in the foreseeable future. The plan says a federal judge would appoint the authority’s initial board, with later members elected by ratepayers, and calls for continued federal oversight during the transition; the proposal requires court approval. Interim manager Ted Henifin is expected to leave by July 2028, while federal oversight could continue until December 2029. Jackson leaders largely agree the city is not ready to resume management, though some want more details about how the authority would work; Mayor John Horhn has emphasized that the city owns the assets, carries the debt and has a legitimate stake in the system’s future. JXN Water says customer service, billing and care will continue as usual while the parties review the plan.