JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, MARQUAND OK ISSUES: SEWERS, WATER

JACKSON -- Jackson voters said yes to sewer and water improvements Tuesday. The $10.54 million bond issue passed 715 to 225 vote, including 19 absentee "yes" votes.

With voter approval, the city has the funds to go forward with a sewer and water improvement plan.

The city will phase in projects over a period of six years that will include at least one new well to increase the water supply; larger water mains installed as required to improve water volume and pressure; adding filter capacity to the water plant to increase its output; and improving the sanitary sewer collection system by rerouting and reconstructing to prevent backups.

Jackson Mayor Paul Sander said he was happy with the results.

"We are very pleased with the voters of Jackson for wanting to improve the infrastructure of their city," said Sander. "I want to thank the voters for their overwhelming support of this issue that will benefit the long-term well-being of the city."

Sander said the voters approved the issue because they were given all the facts.

"It has been shown that voters will support a special of the city or the school district when they are well informed about the facts," he said.

Sander said he was glad the city will be able to make the improvements.

"This is the fairest type of increase," he said. "A bond issue makes rate increases a last resort."

City officials will now prioritize a list the list of targeted projects. Sander said bids for projects will go out in a few weeks.