Federal judge pauses key actions of Jackson water authority; final appointments must be made by tomorrow, report says

A federal judge has temporarily frozen key actions by a new water authority intended to oversee Jackson’s water and wastewater system, a 12 News report said.

Reporter Cameron Smith said the judge is allowing final appointments to be made to the authority’s board but barred the authority from taking further action, including negotiating a lease for Jackson’s water system. Smith reported that all final picks must be submitted by tomorrow and that other authority activities are on hold until the court lifts the order.

Smith quoted Mayor John Horn as continuing to "stand firm that the city should have control of the water authority," and cited additional local objections. In a brief on‑camera remark included in the report, an unaffiliated speaker said, "We don't want to see that authority come into place because it's not fair. ... Jacksonians deserve to have their say."

Why it matters: The court hold prevents the authority from taking steps that could change management or control of the city's water system while legal issues are resolved; the report said the authority would eventually oversee Jackson’s water and wastewater systems but cannot act now.

Next steps: Final board appointments must be made by the court's deadline; the authority cannot proceed with major actions until the court lifts the hold, according to the 12 News report.

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