JACKSON, Miss– Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced Monday he will hold a third citywide town hall this week to explain proposed rate increases in sanitation and waterand sewer rates for Jackson customers. The Mayor will also continue to update residents on the status of a garbage collection contract with the City.
The City opened the RFP process, also known as a request for proposals, to solicit and consider bids from companies interested in waste collection and disposal in Jackson. Companies have a specific timeframe to express their interest in working for the City, and their bids will be evaluated on several levels by an independent review body.
The City is currently in a contract with Waste Management. The six-month contract, which began Oct. 1, is set to expire the beginning of April.
The proposed rate increases come as the City continues to experience a deficit in garbage and water and sewer collections. Unlike many other cities, Jackson has not raised rates in years. Additionally, the City continues negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency to abide by a federal consent decree which mandates a financial plan from Jackson.
Mayor Lumumba said the town hall is important to keep residents abreast of important city business. He believes that transparency and clarification on where the City stands will allow officials to make the best possible decision moving forward.
The town hall is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 at College Hill Missionary Baptist Church at 1600 Florence Ave. The Mayor will take questions from residents and the media.
COVID-19 guidelines will be observed. Masks will be required for all in attendance.
The event will be livestreamed to the City’s Facebook page which can be found here.