JACKSON WATER BILLS TO GO UP NEXT MONTH

JACKSON -- Jackson water users will see the city's pending expenditure of $10.4 million for water and sewer improvements reflected in their April water bills.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen adopted a user charge system Monday night to pay for the water improvements, which voters approved in an August 1997 bond issue. The city had adopted a sewer charge system to start next year.

The water improvements aren't aimed at providing for the city's rapid expansion but rather to revamp and upgrade the city's capacity to deliver water. The water part of the project will establish connections between major lines, a technique called looping. Looping will enhance water pressure, a problem in some areas of the city.

Construction of the project will occur over the next three years. The $4 million first phase, to improve the city's existing wastewater treatment plant on Lee Avenue and add a new pump station on U.S. 61, could begin within 60 days, City Administrator Steve Wilson says.

The second phase will be $3 million in water improvements followed by a final phase of $3 million to extend two Goose Creek lines and interceptors along Highway PP.

The new water rates for customers within the city limits are:

* First 1,000 gallons or less, $4 (minimum charge)

* Next 9,000 gallons a month, $2.40 a thousand gallons

* Next 90,000 gallons a month, $2.10 a thousand gallons

* Excess of 100,000 gallons a month, $1.80 a thousand gallons

The new rates for customers outside the city limits are:

* First 2,000 gallons or less, $8 (minimum charge)

* Next 8,000 gallons a month, $3.90 a thousand gallons

* Next 90,000 gallons a month, $3.50 a thousand gallons

* Excess of 100,000 gallons a month, $3.10 a thousand gallons

The sewer and water improvements should change the city's infrastructure problems dramatically, Wilson said.