Jackson Free Press

Not even officials with the West Rankin Utility Authority, which is made up of cities along the eastern side of Pearl River, disagree that building a new wastewater treatment plant will lead to higher sewer bills for their customers. Jackson also seems resigned that with a $400-million federal consent decree hanging over our heads, rates will also rise again in the capital sooner or later.

Jackson estimates that it could cost as much as $300 million to bring the Savanna Street treatment facility up to date. WRUA projects that it will cost $125 million to build its own sewer-treatment plant. Neither side believes the other's numbers, a symptom of deep mistrust that must be overcome.

No matter how you read the figures, one thing is clear: If rates go up—in either Rankin County or in Jackson—one penny more than absolutely necessary, it will be for not other reason than the sheer bull-headedness of egomanias on both sides of the Pearl River.

Although neither side will say it, both WRUA and Jackson have legitimate gripes. Jackson and its citizens are currently paying the price for years of neglected maintenance at its water- and sewage-treatment plants. When Jackson's customers voiced concerns, past administrations tuned them out. That level of customer service would make just about anyone justified in taking their business elsewhere.

At the same time, the very bedroom communities complaining about Jackson have prospered greatly from the city's downward population shift and have supported some of the leaders who helped put Jackson in this mess.

Yes, there should be regional cooperation in which everyone has a little bit more of a say. But Jackson, the state's capital and economic engine, should lead that cooperative while realizing that leading doesn't always mean crushing one's adversaries.

In fact, the mark of true leadership is often a hard-fought compromise. We believe there is plenty of room for such a compromise between now and the time the WRUA is able to break ground. We call on Mayor Tony Yarber, who won election last year, in part due to the widely held position that he could be a bridge between Jackson and its neighbors, to continue being a leading voice in the wastewater controversy, both at City Hall and at the negotiating table.

Jackson must protect its interests, but citizens don't need a long, protracted legal battle, nor can we afford one. Nor do we need to give Jackson's enemies any more ammunition as the city manages infrastructure challenges caused by recent rains.

To echo the sentiments of City Council President and Ward 4's De'Keither Stamps, we hope "cooler heads and lesser egos will prevail," for all of our sakes.