JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – With no running water and no clear answers, frustration is growing among the residents at Blossom Apartments in Jackson.

The water to the apartment complex was cut off on July 23, leaving tenants without answers or running water.

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the owner of Blossom Apartments, Tony Little, acknowledged some responsibility. However, he said poor communication and ongoing billing disputes with JXN Water have complicated the situation.

“It’s the actual people who are on the ground that we have to protect. This is no longer just about who’s right and who’s wrong. The people who are suffering are the tenants. And yes. Do I bear some responsibility? Yes. But again, I proactively reached out to them,” Little said.

He said bills have sometimes totaled tens of thousands of dollars a month, far above what the property brings in. Last summer, Little said he was charged nearly half a million dollars, despite low occupancy.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn said the city is working to hold landlords accountable, possibly through new penalties or legislation.

“How do we stop this from moving forward in terms of any future out of state owners who are coming in and not performing well? Are there some civil penalties that we can look at, enhancing in legislation? Are there any criminal penalties we can look at enhancing in this legislation?” the mayor questioned.

Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes, Ward 3, criticized JXN Water for cutting off water to tenants and urges legal action against the utility and owner instead of residents.

“I think JXN Water is absolutely wrong to cut water off on poor people, handicapped people when they know they do not owe these water bills. If the owner owes the water bill, sue the owner. Do not cut the water off on the citizens. And I advise the citizens to sue JXN Water,” Stokes said.

On Tuesday, Horhn announced the formation of an Apartment Task Force to enhance oversight of apartment building safety and to strengthen regulatory compliance across the capital city.

He said the Task Force will work in close coordination with legal, code enforcement, and housing experts to review apartment management practices, evaluate compliance with state and federal laws, and ensure effective responses to resident complaints. As part of its work, the Task Force will also collaborate with the One Cent Sales Tax Commission and JXN Water.

Their priorities will include improving living conditions, working to prevent issues like water shutoffs, and establishing clear accountability for property owners and managers.