Photo: Jackson State University / Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) / Getty Images
The Jackson City Council has unanimously approved a hiring freeze effective until the end of June, impacting all city departments except the police and fire. This decision comes as the city prepares for a change in administration, with the current mayor, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, not seeking re-election after losing the Democratic primary runoff to State Senator John Horhn in April.
The hiring freeze was introduced by Council President Virgi Lindsay following controversial hires by Mayor Lumumba, including former Hinds County Supervisor David Archie and Tariq Abdul-Tawwab. These appointments raised concerns about political favoritism, as Archie had previously run against Lumumba and later endorsed him, and Abdul-Tawwab is a known critic of JXN Water, a utility service in the city.
The ordinance, passed as an emergency measure, defunds all unfilled positions in the executive branch, except those in the Jackson Police Department and Jackson Fire Department. According to Magnolia Tribune, Lindsay stated, "We're five weeks from the change in administration and I just don't think it's prudent to be hiring people."
The decision aims to ensure fiscal responsibility and a smooth transition for the incoming administration. The freeze will remain in place until June 30, a day before the new mayor takes office. The general election to decide Jackson's next mayor is scheduled for June 3, with John Horhn heavily favored to win.