Official says city can raise water rates on its own

The Clarion-Ledger, 11/14/7

The Jackson City Council can vote into effect a water and sewer rate increase without Mayor Frank Melton’s approval, the state auditor’s office said Tuesday.

But deputy city attorney Reginald Harrion said, “Any such action by the City Council would be highly unusual and would be subject to the mayor’s veto.”

Responding to a Clarion-Ledger inquiry, the auditor’s office cited state statutes saying city councils can implement rate hikes.