The City of Jackson has established a new telephone line for residents to call with questions about their water accounts, city officials said Monday.
Jackson water system:What to know about federal management, the latest
“You can now call 601-500-5200 for any water issue and you will get someone answer that phone 24/7,” Federally appointed Water Manager Ted Henifin during a Monday luncheon with media and residents at Hal and Mal’s. “We’ve got a staff of operators standing by for your call. So we want to know about your bill. We’ve got a water leak report. Want to open an account? Got to get a new meter — 601-500-5200. We’ll get you to our staff calls. So that’s as of this morning.”
Also during a Monday press conference, Jackson city spokeswoman Melissa Faith Payne, standing in for Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, also announced the new telephone number for residents with questions about their water accounts.
Payne noted that the new number is 601-500-5200, and it replaces the 311 number that residents have used previously.
“For any questions surrounding your water service that is the number to call,” Payne said. The change follows completion of a new call center by Jxn Water, the federally appointed agency to take over water and sewer operations from the former Jackson Water and Sewer Business Administration office which was previously located at Metrocenter Mall.
Payne said the agency also plans to have payment kiosks and centers conveniently located throughout the city where customers can pay their water bills or apply for service.
“The 311 number will also remain in service for other city related issues,” Payne said.
In other city news:
- Interim Public Works Director Robert Lee said his department started receiving calls in recent days over a foul smell near the intersection of Ridgewood Road and Adkins Boulevard. Upon investigation it was discovered a sewer line had collapsed into White Oak Creek near the intersection. “We are currently working on getting a bypass pump and hope to have it in place by tomorrow (Tuesday, June 6) Lee said. The pump should successfully prevent further sewage from spilling into the creek, he said, pending a permanent solution. It will likely take workers several additional days to fully clean the area, however, he said.
- Parks and Recreation Director Ison Harris announced city pools are scheduled to open Friday, June 9. However the city is still short of lifeguards and he encouraged persons trained to take on those positions to apply to the city ASAP by calling 601-960-0471 or by visiting the city’s website. The pay for these positions has increased this year from $12 to $17 per hour, Harris said. There will be three city pools plus a fourth operated by a local church open this year, Harris said. The locations will be on Vine Street, Grove Park, Terry Road, and the Soul City Church n Midtown. The pools are scheduled to open weekdays at 2 p.m. however not all pools will be open every day unless the city ios able to fill all lifeguard positions. “We still do not have the numbers we need so until then we may have to open the pools on a rotational schedule,” Harris said. Those plans should be finalized by Thursday, he said.
- Interim Police Chief Joseph Wade announced there have been a rash of auto thefts nationally in the past month involving Kia and Hyundai automobiles. “In the past month we have seen 15 Kias and 9 Hyundais stolen,” he said. The thieves are using screw drivers and USB cables to disable the cars he said. JPD is asking residents who drive these make cars to “help us help you” be being extra careful to lock and secure them in a secure place.
