Jonesboro, Louisiana — On Friday, May 1st, the Town of Jonesboro announced measurable and meaningful progress in the performance of its municipal water system, reflecting a sustained commitment to operational improvement, financial stability, and long-term infrastructure investment.
Recent water system grading reports from the Louisiana Department of Health show that Jonesboro’s overall score has improved from 42% in 2022 to 62% in 2025, representing a 20-point increase over four years.
This progress marks a transition from a failing classification to a passing grade, demonstrating forward momentum and tangible results.
“This improvement is not by chance—it is the result of intentional leadership, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to doing what is necessary to move our town forward,” said Mayor J. Spike Harris. “We have made real progress, and while there is still work to be done, we are clearly moving in the right direction.”
The Town’s progress is driven by key advancements in several areas:
Financial Sustainability: Strengthened through improved rate structures and responsible fiscal management, positioning the system for long-term viability
Customer Satisfaction: A significant reduction in verified water-related complaints, reflecting improved service delivery and responsiveness
Operational Stability: Continued focus on consistent operations and maintenance practices
While the progress is notable, Town leadership acknowledges that challenges remain. The reports continue to identify infrastructure deficiencies and regulatory requirements as the primary factors limiting overall system performance.
“These challenges did not occur overnight, and they will not be resolved overnight,” Mayor Harris stated. “They are the result of aging infrastructure and years of deferred investment. However, we now have a clear path forward and a strategy in place to address them.”
As part of its continued commitment to improvement, the Town of Jonesboro is actively focused on:
Advancing critical infrastructure upgrades, including water system improvements and expansion projects
Strengthening regulatory compliance and operational standards
Ensuring financial alignment to support ongoing maintenance and future capital investments
“Our focus is not simply on improving a score,” Harris added. “Our focus is on building a water system that is reliable, sustainable, and capable of meeting the needs of our citizens today and for generations to come.”
Town officials emphasize that the progress achieved to date represents an important step forward, but continued investment and strategic planning will be essential to sustaining momentum.
“We are committed to transparency, accountability, and results,” said Harris. “This is about delivering real improvements to our community, and we will continue to move forward with purpose and determination.”