Council debates large claims and Jackson Water financial interactions, administration to return with options

The Jackson City Council reviewed and moved to approve a docket of claims totaling $4,050,582.38, which includes an $851,000 payment to Richard's Disposal, Inc. from the sanitation fund and a $471,196.44 payment to MV Contract Transportation for fixed-route transit service.

Council members raised concerns about the sanitation fund's fiscal status because garbage collection revenue is tied to Jackson Water billing. Councilman Foote asked about fund nine's status with days remaining in the fiscal year; Solid Waste representatives were asked to provide a follow-up. Interim CAO Peter Tabelson said he had been on calls with Jackson Water leadership and reported that Jackson Water "has held the money. Apparently, he still has our money." Tabelson said city staff will present options in October, including direct city billing, attaching sanitation charges to property tax bills, or leaving billing with Jackson Water, and that the finance team was checking Jackson Water's arrears.

Council members noted reports by residents of billing and cash-payment problems. The council approved the payroll and other claims items and directed staff to return in October with options to address collection, billing separation and the relationship with Jackson Water.

No final policy to change billing was adopted; the administration said it will return with several options and their costs for council consideration.