JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that would place Jackson’s water system under the control of an appointed utility council.

The bill would create a corporate nonprofit known as the Mississippi Capitol Region Utility Authority to govern Jackson’s water system. It would be overseen by a nine-member board, with one appointment by the mayor, two by the Jackson City Council, three by the governor and three by the lieutenant governor. Under the bill’s original version, city officials would not have had any appointments.

While some believe the state should oversee the capital city’s water system, others are hesitant.

“I think the city should do it, because that way you get a vote. I assume that we can vote because if the state takes over, they tell you what you can and cannot do. And it’s hard if you’re not living in that city to know what’s the best for the Jacksonians,” said Linda Seals, who lives in Jackson.

Ted Henifin, the manager appointed by a federal court in December 2022 to manage the water system on an interim basis, said JXN Water supports efforts to establish future governance for the water system and will work with legislators on recommended amendments.

Henifin’s role in the position is not up until at least 2027.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.